HB 1411 Summary

• Establishes the Oklahoma Railways Commission as a separate state agency independent from the Department of Transportation, effective January 1, 2012, transferring all Rails Program Division assets, records, property, and funds.

• Creates a governing body of one commissioner per Congressional district (initially six) selected by a committee of rail transportation consumers, experts, and officials, with four-year terms and a separately selected Executive Director.

• Authorizes the Commission to plan, construct, operate, and maintain railroad facilities; accept gifts and grants; enter into contracts and leases; and establish charges and fees for rail services.

• Establishes an Oklahoma Railways Commission Revolving Fund to be funded through appropriations, lease revenue, and railroad maintenance funds, with expenditures authorized for rail transportation development.

• Requires transfer of personnel with written consent, protecting classified employee status and benefits, with no more than 14 full-time-equivalent positions and minimum five positions for the new Commission.