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FL S0966

Bill

Status

Failed

6/16/2025

Primary Sponsor

Tracie Davis

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Authorizes the Governor of Florida to execute the Rapid Rail Transit Compact with Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, allowing Florida to join the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), a congressionally established multistate body formed in 1982
  • Establishes a joint interstate commission to study the feasibility of rapid rail transit service between the party states, with powers to hold hearings, conduct studies, acquire grants and funding, and advocate before Congress
  • Each state's commission membership includes the Governor, one representative from its transportation agency (Florida Department of Transportation for Florida), and five citizens appointed by the Governor to serve 4-year terms
  • North Florida has lacked passenger rail service since Hurricane Katrina damaged tracks in September 2005, and the SRC has already secured $178 million in federal grant funding to restore service from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, with a broader Gulf Coast route to Orlando identified
  • State legislatures may voluntarily contribute funds to the commission but are not bound to appropriate any set amount; withdrawal from the compact requires 6 months' notice and takes effect July 1, 2025

Legislative Description

Rapid Rail Transit Compact

Last Action

Died in Transportation

6/16/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available