The bill amends Section 11-32-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand the powers of transit authorities in counties with populations of 600,000 or more. Key provisions include authorizing these authorities to engage in business organizations related to transit operations, land acquisitions, and other incidental activities. The bill allows for the creation of subsidiaries, the arrangement of loans for business activities, and clarifies that the business organizations involved will not have the power of eminent domain. Significant changes include the insertion of "U.S.C. § 134" and "49 U.S.C. § 53" to replace the deleted references to "of Title 23" and "of Title 49 of the United States Code," respectively. It also specifies that transit authorities cannot acquire any transportation system currently providing public service without the owner's consent, nor can they acquire property owned by public or private railroads or utilities without consent.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Transportation Community Advisory Board (TCAB) to provide advisory support to the authority, ensuring diverse representation from users of public transportation services. It removes certain language regarding regulations from the State Ethics Commission and clarifies the authority's limitations on settling claims for damages, including caps on recovery amounts for bodily injury, death, and property damage claims. The bill also defines key terms and outlines the roles of various entities involved in public transportation governance, specifying that the principal municipality is the one with the largest population in an authorizing county. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, aiming to modernize and enhance the operational capabilities of transit authorities while ensuring accountability and representation in decision-making processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-32-7, 11-32-2, 11-32-7