Opinion
January 5, 1962.
PRESENT: Condon, C.J., Roberts, Paolino, Powers and Frost, JJ.
SUPREME COURT. Advisory Opinion. Basis for Same. Inadequate Information. Where question propounded by House of Representatives with respect to constitutionality of proposed exemptions from tolls for certain vehicles crossing Mount Hope bridge contained only a reference to legislative title of bill, Held, that for lack of sufficient information as to full contents of bill, and what provisions of the state constitution were giving concern, court would deem it wise to await further information before venturing an opinion. R.I. constitution, art. XII, § 2.
REQUEST FOR AN OPINION submitted by House of Representatives relative to proposed exemptions from tolls over Mount Hope bridge. Because of insufficiency of information court defers opinion and suggests additional facts.
January 5, 1962
To the Honorable, the House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
We have received from your honors a resolution requesting, in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of article XII of amendments to the state constitution, our written opinion upon the following question:
"Are the provisions of House 1803 of the 1961 session, being an act in amendment of section 1 of chapter 188 of the public laws, 1959, entitled `An act relating to release from bridge toll by any school bus using the Mount Hope bridge, and by any ambulance, or any other vehicle used for emergency purposes such as fire trucks and rescue units,' a proper delegation of the powers of the general assembly?"
Apparently House 1803 is a bill now pending in the House. What it purports to enact other than what is summarized in its title which is all that is quoted in your request for our opinion we have not been advised. In the circumstances we deem it unwise to venture an opinion without being informed of the full contents of the bill and also as to what provisions of the state constitution may be giving your honors concern regarding the validity of the bill if it is enacted by the general assembly. Upon receipt of the above information we shall be better able to give the propounded question the consideration which it deserves and which will be helpful to your honors.
FRANCIS B. CONDON THOMAS H. ROBERTS THOMAS J. PAOLINO WILLIAM E. POWERS G. FREDERICK FROST