AB 1509

Bill Subjects

Abstract

(1) Existing law establishes the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) , which is authorized to acquire, construct, own, operate, control, or use rights-of-way, rail lines, bus lines, stations, platforms, switches, yards, terminals, parking lots, and any and all other facilities necessary or convenient for rapid transit service. Existing law imposes a permanent 12 of 1% transactions and use tax in the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco, with the net revenues from the tax allocated to transit purposes. Existing law requires 75% of the net revenues to be allocated to BART. Existing local law, ballot Measure RR, adopted by the voters of the Counties of San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa on November 8, 2016, pursuant to a 23 vote, enacted a regional bond measure authorizing BART to issue $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the acquisition or improvement of real property to replace or upgrade severely worn tracks, tunnels damaged by water intrusion, outdated train control systems, and other deteriorating infrastructure to keep BART safe, prevent accidents, breakdowns, or delays, relieve overcrowding, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, improve earthquake safety, and increase access for seniors and persons with disabilities. This bill would require BART to maintain its existing commitment of funds for the acquisition, construction, or completion of rapid transit facilities and would prohibit BART from redirecting any existing funds dedicated for system infrastructure capital improvements or rolling stock to cover operating expenses following the approval of Measure RR. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.