MT HB848

Creates the "Big Sky Rail Account" in state special revenue fund, directing the first $2 million annually from railroad car taxes to fund regional rail authorities established before January 1, 2025

Department of Transportation must distribute account funds annually by August 1 to eligible regional rail authorities

Funds may be used for rail authority administration, matching grants, cooperative relationships with federal/state/Canadian entities, and planning/developing passenger and freight rail projects

Authorized rail projects include enhancing rail safety and infrastructure, improving passenger stations, coordinating transportation connections between trains/airports/roads/transit, and developing transit and rental car facilities at train stations

Effective July 1, 2025 with a termination date of June 30, 2031