FL H0053

Authorizes the Governor to execute a Rapid Rail Transit Compact with Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi to join the Southern Rail Commission, a multistate agency formed by Congress in 1982

Creates s. 351.41, F.S., establishing a joint interstate commission to study the feasibility of rapid rail transit service between the member states, with power to hold hearings, conduct studies, acquire funding, and advocate before Congress

Commission membership includes each state's governor, one transportation agency representative, and five governor-appointed citizens serving 4-year terms, with quarterly meetings and rotating chairmanship

North Florida has lacked passenger rail since September 2005 when Hurricane Katrina damaged tracks and ended Amtrak's Sunset Limited route through Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando

State legislature contributions to the commission are discretionary and not binding; any state may withdraw with 6 months' notice; effective date is July 1, 2026