Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act

1/31/2025, 11:08 AM

Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act

This bill directs Amtrak to comply with federal open meeting requirements under the Government in the Sunshine Act, with exceptions.

Under the bill, certain open meeting requirements do not apply to any portion or portions of a meeting that Amtrak properly determines are likely to involve

  • contract negotiations, including negotiations for contract procurements and agreements, the disclosure of which would imperil or compromise Amtrak’s competitive position;
  • collective bargaining agreements or any terms and conditions that are proposed for inclusion in an agreement; and
  • matters involving the employment, appointment, termination, terms and conditions of employment, performance evaluation, promotion, or disciplining of a current or prospective Amtrak officer, employee, or contractor (unless all affected individuals request in writing that the matter or matters be discussed at a public meeting).
Bill 119 hr 188, also known as the "Amtrak Board of Directors Open Meetings Act," aims to ensure transparency and accountability within the Amtrak Board of Directors by requiring them to comply with the open meetings requirements outlined in section 552b of title 5, United States Code. This bill seeks to make the decision-making process of the Amtrak Board more accessible to the public by mandating that their meetings be open to the public and that meeting minutes be made available for public review.

The purpose of this legislation is to increase public trust in the decision-making process of the Amtrak Board of Directors and to promote greater transparency in the operations of the organization. By requiring the Board to hold open meetings and make meeting minutes accessible to the public, this bill aims to ensure that the interests of the American people are represented in the decisions made by the Amtrak Board.

Overall, Bill 119 hr 188 seeks to promote accountability and transparency within the Amtrak Board of Directors by requiring them to comply with open meetings requirements. This legislation is intended to enhance public trust in the decision-making process of the Amtrak Board and to ensure that the interests of the American people are prioritized in the operations of the organization.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 188
Introduced on
2025-01-03
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/3/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act

This bill directs Amtrak to comply with federal open meeting requirements under the Government in the Sunshine Act, with exceptions.

Under the bill, certain open meeting requirements do not apply to any portion or portions of a meeting that Amtrak properly determines are likely to involve

  • contract negotiations, including negotiations for contract procurements and agreements, the disclosure of which would imperil or compromise Amtrak’s competitive position;
  • collective bargaining agreements or any terms and conditions that are proposed for inclusion in an agreement; and
  • matters involving the employment, appointment, termination, terms and conditions of employment, performance evaluation, promotion, or disciplining of a current or prospective Amtrak officer, employee, or contractor (unless all affected individuals request in writing that the matter or matters be discussed at a public meeting).
Bill 119 hr 188, also known as the "Amtrak Board of Directors Open Meetings Act," aims to ensure transparency and accountability within the Amtrak Board of Directors by requiring them to comply with the open meetings requirements outlined in section 552b of title 5, United States Code. This bill seeks to make the decision-making process of the Amtrak Board more accessible to the public by mandating that their meetings be open to the public and that meeting minutes be made available for public review.

The purpose of this legislation is to increase public trust in the decision-making process of the Amtrak Board of Directors and to promote greater transparency in the operations of the organization. By requiring the Board to hold open meetings and make meeting minutes accessible to the public, this bill aims to ensure that the interests of the American people are represented in the decisions made by the Amtrak Board.

Overall, Bill 119 hr 188 seeks to promote accountability and transparency within the Amtrak Board of Directors by requiring them to comply with open meetings requirements. This legislation is intended to enhance public trust in the decision-making process of the Amtrak Board and to ensure that the interests of the American people are prioritized in the operations of the organization.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require that the Amtrak Board of Directors comply with the open meetings requirements of section 552b of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes.

Comments

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Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure
Member:  Sam Graves

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/4/2025

Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act

This bill directs Amtrak to comply with federal open meeting requirements under the Government in the Sunshine Act, with exceptions.

Under the bil...

Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.