SB 443 Summary

• Creates a regional transit authority for public transit regions containing qualified cities (population over 700,000) and contiguous counties to plan, acquire, operate, or arrange operation of public transit systems.

• Establishes a board of directors with one member per transit district plus a governor's representative, with board members appointed by local chief executives and ratified by city councils where applicable.

• Authorizes the authority to levy taxes approved by the board and aggregate majority of public transit region electors, with revenue generated in each county dedicated to transit services in that county.

• Requires transferred transit employees to retain accrued pension benefits, seniority credits, and collective bargaining protections, with the authority assuming all obligations regarding wages, hours, benefits, and pension provisions.

• Contains tie-bar provision making the act effective only upon enactment of Senate Bills 444 and 445 of the 96th Legislature.