Two proposals in the Rhode Island General Assembly would place restrictions on the transportation of certain bulk chemicals on state roadways.

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.

With 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. The haulers would also have to be certified by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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

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

Ruggerio’s bill – S2778 – passed the Senate in April and has been forwarded to the House Committee on Labor. Schadone’s bill – H7820 – passed the House the same month and has been sent to the Senate Committee on Labor. Both measures will likely be merged into a single piece of legislation.