CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Attorney General Kelly Ayotte told lawmakers on Thursday they must pass a law before the public can redeem highway tokens.

Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray cannot begin any token redemption plan that would allow drivers to get credit toward the E-ZPass electronic toll system without lawmakers passing a law that gives her that authority, Ayotte said.

Senate President Ted Gatsas said he expects the task force charged with looking at E-ZPass to recommend legislation to allow for tokens to be redeemed.

But lawmakers and executive councilors continue to argue over whether drivers stuck with tokens should get cash or E-ZPass credit. Some say the state should not be pushing E-ZPass by refusing to redeem tokens for cash.

Gatsas said cash redemption is not practical, arguing it would be too expensive for the state to cut many small checks. He said he expects lawmakers to move quickly after token redemption legislation is proposed.

“I’m sure an amendment will come and it’s obvious that something has to be done,” he said.

Gov. John Lynch said he supports some type of refund.

“I’ll be working with legislative leaders to see whether or not we can get that legislation passed to, in fact, provide a refund for citizens still holding on to tokens,” he said.