HB454 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund, established, ADECA required to administer trust fund; Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee, created.

Summary

HB454 would create the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund to fund and expand public transportation across the state, managed by ADECA with an advisory committee and grant program.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund in the State Treasury to finance public transportation improvements. ADECA would maintain and administer the fund, invest money, keep records, publish distribution criteria, conduct audits, and award grants. It also creates the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee to guide administration and grant decisions, with final grant decisions resting with the ADECA director; funds would be awarded through a competitive process guided by a statewide needs assessment and ADA considerations. The bill requires a statewide public transportation needs assessment every five years and allows ADECA to seek additional funding sources; eligible grant applicants include not-for-profits, municipalities, counties, and public transit authorities.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who rely on or would benefit from improved public transportation, including disabled individuals, the elderly, and rural residents, who would gain expanded options and access.
• Not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and public transit authorities that may apply for grants from the trust fund to support transportation projects.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund in the State Treasury to fund activities that increase public transportation options; ADECA maintains and administers the fund.
• Establishes the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee to advise on administration and awards; committee has specified diverse membership and rules for operation, including conflict-of-interest provisions.
• ADECA must adopt rules, publish annual distribution criteria, conduct a statewide public transportation needs assessment (every five years), enter into contracts (with federal agencies, local governments, community developers, and not-for-profits; not-for-profit only for contracts with for-profit restrictions), conduct audits, and award grants.
• Funds are distributed through a competitive process; funding priorities address needs of the disabled, elderly, and rural populations and aim to increase options, maintain/repair existing fleets, expand urban routes, and connect rural areas.
• The director has final decision-making authority on trust fund programs, though the advisory committee provides input; ADECA may be paid a reasonable administration fee not to exceed 10% of annual deposits.
• Eligible applicants for funding include not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and public transit authorities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Transportation