Public Works and Highways panel sends HB 100 to interim study after brief debate over passenger rail and Cog Railway impacts
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Summary
The House Public Works and Highways committee voted to send HB 100 to interim study after a short work-session discussion focusing on the bill’s absence from the DOT 10-year plan and potential effects on tourist passenger railways such as the Cog Railway.
The House Public Works and Highways committee voted to send House Bill 100 to interim study after a short work session and an executive-session roll call, citing concerns about unspecified impacts on tourist rail operations and the bill’s absence from the DOT 10-year plan.
The bill’s text, as read during the session, would prohibit the Department of Transportation from utilizing state funds for the planning, construction, operation, or management of new passenger rail projects. Committee members who spoke said the measure needs further work before any final recommendation.
Committee discussion during the work session focused on two points: the bill is not included in the DOT 10-year plan presented to the committee, and some members raised the possibility that the prohibition could unintentionally block state funding to privately operated tourist passenger railways. Representative Bohm characterized the bill as “not right” in its current form and said it “needs work” and that it is not on the 10-year plan. Representative Cloutier voiced concern that HB 100 could prevent state funds going to the Cog Railway, calling that railway “a major tourist attraction” and saying that possibility supported an interim study. Representative Bohm added an anecdotal concern that customers would react negatively if a historic cog railway were converted to electric operation.
During the executive session, Representative Marty Jack moved to refer HB 100 to interim study; Representative Boyd seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed on a voice/roll call recorded as 16 in favor, none opposed, two absent. The clerk reported: “With 16 voting in affirmative, no negatives, 2 absence, motion for interim study passes.” The chair indicated the committee would place the motion on the consent calendar with no objection.
No formal amendments or implementation instructions were adopted; the committee’s formal action was to send the bill to interim study. Committee members also noted they had met with the DOT commissioner and that the DOT 10-year plan material could influence further conversation about HB 100.
The committee closed its discussion and went into recess to begin other executive business.
Votes at a glance: Motion to refer HB 100 to interim study — moved by Representative Marty Jack; seconded by Representative Boyd; result: approved (16–0–2, two absent).
