Senate Bill 635 Becomes Law

Intercity Passanger Rail Fund created for the operation of intercity passenger rail services in Illinois.

Senate Bill 635 became Public Act 94-0535 last Wednesday.

The new law creates an Intercity Passanger Rail Fund, as a special fund in the state treasury, for the operation of Amtrak intercity passenger rail services in Illinois. The law requires Amtrak to certify to the state Treasurer the number of tickets sold at the state rate during each fiscal year; following which the state Treasurer must transfer, from the state's General Revenue Fund to the Intercity Passenger Rail Fund, an amount equal to the tickets certified multiplied by $50. Funds may also be received through income tax checkoff receipts, gifts, grants, and awards from any public or private entity.

The bill was sponsored by Senators Mattie Hunter, Emil Jones Jr., Martin A. Sandoval, and Representative Robert W. Pritchard. The bill passed 55-0 in the Senate and 115-0 in the House.