Relating to the midwest interstate passenger rail compact, and including effective date provisions

This bill provides that the midwest interstate passenger rail compact is entered into and enacted into law together with several other midwestern states if those states join the compact in substantially the same form. The bill provides that the purposes of the compact are to promote development and implementation of improvements to intercity passenger rail service in the midwest, to coordinate interaction among midwestern state officials on passenger rail issues, to promote development and implementation of plans for high-speed rail passenger service in the midwest and other regions, to work with public and private sectors at all levels to ensure coordination among entities with an interest in passenger rail service and to promote midwestern interests regarding such service, and to support efforts of transportation agencies involved in developing and implementing passenger rail service in the midwest. The bill provides that a commission shall be established to further the purposes of and to carry out the duties specified in the compact. Each state joining the compact is to be represented by four commission members: the governor of the state or the governor’s designee, serving during the tenure of the governor or until a successor is named; a member of the private sector appointed by the governor, serving during the tenure of the governor or until a successor is named; and two legislators, one from each legislative chamber, appointed by the appropriate appointing authority in each chamber, serving two-year terms or until successors are appointed. The bill provides a list of powers and duties the commission shall have related to the compact and provides for the administration and financing of the general operations of the commission. The bill also includes provisions relating to withdrawal, default, and termination of the compact. The bill takes effect upon enactment. The compact, having already been enacted into law and entered into by eight states, would apply in Iowa effective upon enactment of the bill. Current midwest interstate passenger rail compact member states include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota are eligible to join.