Senate Bill 21-238 Summary

• Creates the Front Range Passenger Rail District as a political subdivision to plan, design, develop, finance, construct, operate, and maintain a passenger rail system spanning from Wyoming to New Mexico, including Denver and surrounding counties.

• Establishes a 16-member board of directors: 6 appointed by the Governor (subject to Senate confirmation), 10 appointed by metropolitan planning organizations, 1 from the Department of Transportation, plus advisory nonvoting representatives from railroads and regional entities.

• Grants the District authority to issue bonds, levy a sales or use tax (up to 0.8%) subject to voter approval, acquire property through eminent domain, and establish fares for passenger rail operations.

• Designates the Northwest Rail Corridor as the preferred alignment for the northern segment of the main north-south passenger rail line, subject to environmental review and complete alternatives analysis.

• Requires voter approval before any district tax or multi-year borrowing takes effect, and mandates the District publish service development, operating, and financing plans before submitting tax measures to voters.