H969 - Statewide Commuter Rail Study

• Creates a Joint Legislative Study Committee on Statewide Commuter Rail consisting of 18 members (9 from House, 9 from Senate) with cochairs designated by legislative leadership.

• Committee shall develop a statewide strategic vision for commuter rail integrating freight, passenger, and commuter rail uses while incorporating recommendations from the 2021 NC FIRST Commission, the Comprehensive State Rail Plan, and regional transportation plans.

• Committee must evaluate rail alignments, ridership potential, emerging technologies, funding sources, transit-oriented development opportunities, legal issues for implementation, public-private partnerships, and feasibility of issuing $3 billion in general obligation bonds for public transportation needs.

• Committee shall submit an interim report to the 2025 General Assembly and a final report with findings and legislative recommendations when the 2025 General Assembly reconvenes in 2026, then terminate.

• Appropriates $20,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to the Legislative Services Commission for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to cover committee expenses.