ENGR. H. B. NO. 2180 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Railways Commission as a separate state agency to oversee rail transportation development, replacing the Rails Program Division of the Department of Transportation effective January 1, 2014

• Commission consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor (one from each congressional district, remainder at-large) with staggered 6-year terms; members must be state residents with 3+ years of railway experience and receive no salary but reimbursement for travel expenses

• Establishes a Director of Railways appointed by the Commission to serve as executive officer; authorizes the Commission to plan, construct, operate, and maintain railroad facilities; accept gifts and grants; and enter into contracts for up to 25 years

• Transfers all property, records, assets, liabilities, and appropriated funds from the Rails Program Division to the Oklahoma Railways Commission; preserves employee benefits and classification status for non-transferring personnel; establishes maximum of 14 full-time-equivalent positions

• Creates the Oklahoma Railways Commission Revolving Fund for financing rail development activities; declares emergency and provides effective dates of July 1, 2013 (Section 1) and January 1, 2014 (Sections 2-3)