NE LB256

Nebraska would join the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, a multi-state agreement to promote development of intercity and high-speed passenger rail service across 12 eligible Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin)

Creates a commission with four members from each participating state: the Governor or designee, one private sector appointee, and two legislators serving two-year terms, all serving without compensation from the commission

Commission duties include advocating for passenger rail funding, developing partnerships with rail industry and labor, creating long-term interstate high-speed rail plans, and coordinating with federal agencies and Congress

Nebraska's participation in any specific rail project, including planning phases, would require separate authorization through enactment of a legislative bill

Establishes the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact Cash Fund to receive gifts, grants, and appropriations from federal, state, public, and private sources for passenger rail initiatives