SB360 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
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: The bill creates the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund to expand public transportation, to be administered by ADECA with an advisory committee to oversee grants and needs assessments.
What This Bill Does
It creates a state treasury fund dedicated to increasing public transportation options across Alabama, and assigns ADECA to maintain and administer it. It also establishes an advisory committee to guide fund administration and award decisions, and requires rules, annual reports, a statewide needs assessment every five years, contract activity, audits, and grant awards. Grants are awarded through a competitive process with priorities for disabled, elderly, and rural populations, and all funded systems must meet ADA standards.

Who It Affects
Residents who rely on public transportation, especially the disabled, elderly, and rural residents, who could gain safer and more affordable transit options.
Not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and public transit authorities that may apply for funding to start, expand, or improve transit services.

Key Provisions
Creation of the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund in the State Treasury to fund increased public transportation options, maintained and administered by ADECA.
Establishment of the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee with specific members (including lawmakers, state officials, and representatives from housing, disability, and low-income groups) and terms of service.
ADECA duties include investing funds, maintaining records, establishing withdrawal and allocation procedures, publishing annual distribution criteria, conducting an annual independent audit, and preparing an annual performance report; the department may enter contracts with federal agencies, local governments, and nonprofit groups (not-for-profit entities only for certain contracts) and pursue additional funding sources; ADA compliance is required for funded systems.
Funding decisions for activities must go through a competitive process with criteria addressing the disabled, elderly, and rural populations; goals include expanding options, maintaining fleets, expanding urban routes, and improving rural connectivity.
Eligibility for funding includes not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and public transit authorities; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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