HB 1411 Summary

• Separates the Rails Program Division from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to establish it as an independent state agency called the Oklahoma Railways Commission, effective January 1, 2012.

• Creates a seven-member governing body with one commissioner per Congressional district, selected by committees of rail transportation consumers, experts, and elected officials; commissioners serve four-year terms.

• Authorizes the Commission to plan, construct, operate, and maintain rail facilities; lease or own property; and accept gifts and federal funds for rail transportation development.

• Establishes the Oklahoma Railways Commission Revolving Fund to receive appropriations, lease revenues, and Railroad Maintenance Revolving Fund monies for Commission operations.

• Requires the Commission to have 5-14 full-time-equivalent employees; allows voluntary transfer of Department of Transportation staff with no reduction in salary or benefits; Executive Director selected by Commission majority vote.