Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates funding for the state public transportation budget in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Requires that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation adopt minimum performance criteria to improve fare evasion, public-private transportation partnerships, and bus routes (Sec. 1).

• Establishes procedures for noncompliance with the aforementioned provision (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the audit of transportation authorities and requires that the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee review the procedures and audits of authorities and make public their findings at least once annually (Sec. 2).

• Requires that the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee present a report to the House and Senate Transportation Committees on or before February 1 of every other year and specifies the information said report is to include (Sec. 2).

• Requires that 6.15% of funds collected under Article II of the Tax Reform Code annually be deposited into the Public Transportation Trust Fund (Sec. 3).

• Requires that up to 0.25% of funds collected under Article II of the Tax Reform Code annually be deposited into the Project Sinking Fund (Sec. 3).

• Establishes the following funds for specified purposes (Sec. 3):

• The Road and Bridge Project Fund; and

• The Road and Bridge Project Sinking Fund.

• Authorizes authorities to issue bonds, notes, and other obligations in principal amounts not to exceed a total sum of $325 million (Sec. 3).

• Establishes various procedures and legal parameters relating to the issuance of said bonds and authorizes authorities to take certain actions (Sec. 3).

• Requires that bonds be first offered through public sale and establishes priority for minority-owned or minority-controlled firms (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that bonds issued under this chapter shall not be a debt or liability of the state of Pennsylvania or any of its subdivisions other than the issuing authority (Sec. 3).

• Establishes criteria and procedures relating to the securement of bonds (Sec. 3).

• Exempts bonds issued under these provisions from state and local taxes (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the total financial assistance provided to each local transportation organization to exceed 20% of the prior year allocation (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the Secretary of the Budget to adjust and hold harmless the amount of annual increase in local match for a period of five fiscal years beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026 (Sec. 3).

• Requires authorities to submit at least one transportation project to the board for review within 90 days of enactment (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes public vehicles to use illuminated signs meeting specified criteria (Sec. 5).

• Establishes the 3 and 4-digit State Route Account as a restricted account in the Motor License Fund for specified purposes (Sec. 6).

• Requires that the Secretary transfer $150 million of unrestricted revenue into the aforementioned account within 15 days of enactment (Sec. 6).

• Requires that the Secretary transfer $125 million of unrestricted revenue into the aforementioned account no later than July 16, 2025 (Sec. 6).

• Establishes criteria and priorities for eligible projects which may be funded by the account (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that certain aforementioned provisions shall take effect 60 days after enactment (Sec. 7).

• Specifies that certain aforementioned provisions shall take effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text