HB349 Summary

• Changes the name of the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama Rapid Rail Transit Commission to the Southern High-Speed Rail Commission under Alabama Code Section 37-11-1.

• Authorizes the Governor to execute an interstate compact with Louisiana and Mississippi to study the feasibility of rapid rail transit service between the three states and establish a joint commission.

• Commission membership consists of the governor of each party state, one representative from each state's transportation/energy agency, and five additional citizens appointed by each governor for four-year terms; members receive no compensation but reimbursement for actual and reasonable expenses.

• Commission has authority to hold hearings, conduct studies and surveys, acquire funding, cooperate with public and private groups, and formulate plans to promote rapid rail transit service to Congress and federal agencies.

• Act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor; passed by House on March 25, 2010 and Senate on April 22, 2010.