SB85 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

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

Summary

SB 85 creates the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund to fund expanded public transit, with ADECA administering it and an advisory committee guiding awards.

What This Bill Does

Creates a new Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund in the state treasury that ADECA will maintain and administer. Establishes the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee to advise on administration and grant awards, while preserving final decision-making with the department. Requires ADECA to adopt rules, publish annual distribution criteria, conduct a statewide needs assessment, enter into contracts, conduct audits, and award grants. Funds are awarded through a competitive process with priorities for the disabled, elderly, and rural populations, and all funded transportation must meet ADA design standards.

Who It Affects

• Not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and public transit authorities can apply for funding from the trust fund.
• Alabama residents who rely on public transportation—especially the disabled, elderly, and people in rural areas—will benefit from expanded, safer, and more affordable transit options.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund in the State Treasury and designates ADECA to maintain and administer it.
• Creates the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee to advise on administration and awards, with final decision-making authority staying with the department; includes diverse state and community representatives.
• Requires ADECA to adopt rules, publish annual distribution criteria, perform a statewide public transportation needs assessment (every five years), enter into contracts, conduct audits, and award grants; the department may hire outside entities for assessments and must conduct annual performance reporting.
• Funding decisions are made competitively with priorities for the disabled, elderly, and rural populations and must comply with ADA design standards; the department may charge up to 10% of annual deposits for administration.

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