Two proposals in the Rhode Island General Assembly that would have placed restrictions on the transportation of certain bulk chemicals across state roadways have died.

The bill sponsors, Senate Majority Whip Dominick Ruggerio, D-Providence, and Rep. Gregory Schadone, D-North Providence, told The Providence Journal the purpose of the legislation was to make sure chemical spills didn’t endanger lives.

Under the legislation, tanker drivers hauling at least 301 gallons of 11 different toxic chemicals would be required to have at least two years experience in transporting chemicals. Those haulers would also have to be certified from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The chemicals listed were caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, muriatic acid, hydrogen peroxide, aqua ammonia, sodium hypochloride, anhydrous ammonia, phosphoric acid, sodium bisulfate, caustic potash and sulfuric acid.

The bills also would have required a 24-hour notice to local fire departments where the chemicals were scheduled for delivery. A company that owns or leases a truck found to be in violation could have been fined up to $10,000. The supplier of the chemicals would also have faced a fine up to $10,000. Drivers in violation could have been fined as much as $5,000.

Ruggerio’s bill – S2778 – remained in the House Committee on Labor when the session ended. It previously passed the Senate. Schadone’s bill – H7820 – remained in the Senate Committee on Labor after previously passing the House.