Sen. Rabon files bill in North Carolina Senate to reform transportation department

A new bill filed by State Sen. Rabon seeks to reform the Department of Transportation by addressing driver training, licensing, tolling, and project management, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 391 on March 24 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘DOT Omnibus.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to reform various aspects of the Department of Transportation (DOT) in North Carolina, addressing commercial driver training, dealer license renewals, cash balance requirements, right-of-way plans, and Turnpike Authority operations. It mandates licensing for driver training schools and aligns their curriculum with public school standards. Changes to dealer licenses include clarifications on ownership continuity. The bill modifies cash balance calculations for transportation appropriations and modernizes right-of-way plan registration by allowing electronic submissions. The requirement for the Turnpike Authority to submit multiple reports is reduced, and electronic toll billing is introduced as an option. Additionally, the bill removes the cap on the number of Turnpike projects, adjusts how their revenues can be used, and broadly outsources bridge program projects. The Ferry Division is exempt from certain employment requirements, and the DOT is authorized to impose transaction fees on electronic ferry payments. Amendments to property acquisition laws clarify easement and condemnation procedures. The bill has various effective dates, with specific sections becoming applicable on July 31, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Michael A. Lazzara proposed the most bills (26) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Rabon graduated from North Carolina State University.

Rabon, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2011 to represent the state’s 8th Senate district, replacing previous state senator R. C. Soles Jr..