HB4279ham001 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Rep. Rita Mayfield

Filed: 2/18/2026

10400HB4279ham001 LRB104 16936 LNS 34483 a

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 4279

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 4279, AS AMENDED, with reference to page and line numbers of House Amendment No. 1, on page 4, immediately below line 8, by inserting the following:

"(9.5) The General Assembly further recognizes that implementation of expanded passenger rail service on corridors that utilize privately owned railroad infrastructure will require negotiated agreements and operational cooperation with the applicable railroad infrastructure owners. The State's aspirational frequency goals are intended to guide planning and investment decisions and do not supersede the need for mutually agreed operational arrangements."; and

on page 6, line 19, after "135.", by inserting "Prior to advancing a corridor toward implementation, the Department of Transportation shall evaluate operational feasibility, host railroad capacity, infrastructure requirements, and market demand consistent with applicable federal Service Development Plan guidance where applicable."; and

on page 7, line 5, after "schedules.", by inserting "Such agreements may include cost-sharing arrangements, capital partnerships, or other jointly beneficial infrastructure investments intended to increase network capacity, improve reliability, and support both passenger and freight transportation."; and

on page 7, by replacing lines 24 through 26 with the following:

"(4) coordination with neighboring states, Amtrak, and federal agencies to advance these targets; and

(5) an analysis of projected ridership demand, market potential, and travel behavior for each corridor, including surveys or other demand validation tools as appropriate, to inform service development planning and investment prioritization."; and

on page 9, immediately below line 7, by inserting the following:

"(k) In carrying out passenger rail planning and implementation under this Act, the Department of Transportation shall consult with and seek the cooperation of host railroads and rail infrastructure owners whose facilities may be affected by proposed passenger rail service and shall pursue collaborative solutions intended to support both passenger and freight mobility.

(l) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize passenger rail service over privately owned rail infrastructure absent an agreement with the applicable infrastructure owner, except where the State or a public entity acquires such infrastructure or constructs new rail facilities consistent with applicable law.".