Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB86

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/29/25  

Caption

Establishing the intercity passenger rail service program and making transfers annually to the passenger rail service revolving fund.

Impact

The passage of SB 86 would significantly reshape the landscape of state transportation law by formalizing the framework for state involvement in intercity passenger rail services. It would lead to the establishment of a dedicated funding source known as the passenger rail service revolving fund, which would receive an annual transfer of $5 million from designated state funds. This approach emphasizes the state's commitment to developing a cohesive passenger rail network that connects Kansas with neighboring states, supporting both regional and national rail systems.

Summary

Senate Bill 86 aims to establish an intercity passenger rail service program in Kansas, enabling the Secretary of Transportation to enter into agreements with Amtrak and other rail operators to enhance rail services. This bill permits the provision of loans and grants for the restoration and improvement of rail infrastructure, ultimately to promote connectivity with other states' rail systems. It's envisioned as a critical step toward advancing passenger rail services across the state, thereby potentially enhancing access to regions that may currently lack efficient public transportation options.

Contention

While the bill's supporters advocate for improved transportation options and economic growth through enhanced rail connectivity, there may be concerns regarding the allocation of state funds and the emphasis on rail service at the expense of other transportation priorities. Some stakeholders may argue about the viability and long-term sustainability of funding such programs amidst competing budgetary needs. Additionally, there may be debates about the extent to which the state should involve itself in the operational aspects of passenger rail, traditionally managed by private enterprises.

Notable_points

Key provisions within SB 86 include the authority granted to the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cost-sharing agreements and to facilitate the design and construction of rail stations that meet safety and operational standards. The bill also establishes a framework for ongoing evaluation and reporting on the effectiveness of the rail service program, as mandated by annual reports to the state legislature, ensuring legislative oversight of the implementation and impact of the proposed intercity rail service.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB349

House Substitute for SB 349 by Committee on Judiciary - Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the open records act.

KS HB2335

Authorizing loans or grants for qualified track maintenance in the rail service improvement program and increasing the transfer from the state highway fund to the rail service improvement fund.

KS SB215

Establishing the Kansas rail safety improvement act, providing for safety requirements for railroad operations and crossings and allowing for the transfer of title for abandoned railroad tracks to cities and counties.

KS HB2302

Senate Substitute for HB 2302 by Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - Making appropriations for the state treasurer for fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024, providing for a transfer of moneys from the state general fund to the state water plan fund for fiscal year 2024, establishing the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund for water-related infrastructure projects.

KS SB499

Establishing the prevention of maternal mortality grant program fund within the department of health and environment, providing for competitive grants to fund programs for the prevention of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, establishing the prevention of maternal mortality grant program fund and making transfers to such fund.

KS HB2690

Abolishing the 911 coordinating council and establishing the state 911 board; abolishing the 911 operations fund, 911 state fund and 911 state grant fund outside of the state treasury and establishing the state 911 operations fund, state 911 fund and state 911 grant fund in the state treasury; increasing the minimum county distribution of 911 moneys; and authorizing counties to contract with other counties for the provision of 911 PSAP services.

KS SB378

Establishing the Kansas trade service scholarship act and making appropriations to the state board of regents for fiscal year 2025 to provide grants to community colleges, technical colleges and the Washburn institute of technology for capital improvements, repairs and maintenance of trade program buildings.

KS HB2744

Establishing the transformation of passenger and freight vehicle industry act program to attract businesses engaged in electric motor vehicle and hydrogen-powered vehicle production by offering qualified companies that meet certain requirements an investment tax credit, retention of a percentage of total payroll tax, reimbursement of a percentage of eligible employee training and education expenses and a sales tax exemption for construction costs of the qualified company's qualified business facility.

KS HB2471

Establishing the transformation of passenger and freight vehicle industry program to attract businesses engaged in electric motor vehicle and hydrogen-powered vehicle production by offering qualified companies that meet certain requirements an investment tax credit, retention of a percentage of total payroll tax, reimbursement of a percentage of eligible employee training and education expenses and a sales tax exemption for construction costs of the qualified company’s qualified business facility.

KS SB325

Establishing the transformation of passenger and freight vehicle industry program to attract businesses engaged in electric motor vehicle and hydrogen-powered vehicle production by offering qualified companies that meet certain requirements an investment tax credit, retention of a percentage of total payroll tax, reimbursement of a percentage of eligible employee training and education expenses and a sales tax exemption for construction costs of the qualified company’s qualified business facility.

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