HB 454 Summary

• Creates the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund in the State Treasury to fund activities that increase public transportation options across Alabama, to be maintained and administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

• Establishes the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee consisting of 9 members including legislators, the Lieutenant Governor, representatives from housing and disability organizations, and a low-income member appointed by the Governor.

• Department must invest trust fund monies, maintain records, publish annual distribution criteria, conduct independent audits, prepare annual performance reports, and conduct statewide transportation needs assessments every five years.

• Allows not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and Public Transit Authorities to apply competitively for trust fund grants, with priority given to serving disabled, elderly, and rural populations while complying with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

• Department may charge no more than 10 percent of annual deposits as an administrative fee, and the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage.