H.B. 488 Summary

• Enacts sections 4981.36 and 4981.361 of the Revised Code to ratify and adopt the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, making Ohio a party to the multistate agreement.

• Establishes a Commission with four Ohio members: the governor or designee, one private sector member appointed by the governor, and two legislators (one from each chamber) appointed by their respective chamber leadership, serving without compensation but with expense reimbursement.

• Commission purposes include promoting intercity passenger rail improvements, coordinating among Midwestern states on rail issues, developing long-range high-speed rail plans, and advocating for federal funding and authorization.

• Eligible states to join include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; compact becomes effective when any three states enact it into law.

• Establishes Commission powers to adopt bylaws, assess dues, conduct research, establish committees, hire staff, and make recommendations regarding passenger rail development and implementation across the region.