HB 550

 02-11 10:38  H.B. 550
1Commuter Rail Amendments
                                        2026 GENERAL SESSION
                                             STATE OF UTAH
                                    Chief Sponsor: Andrew Stoddard
                                               Senate Sponsor:
2
3   LONG TITLE
4   General Description:
5This bill requires the electrification of a commuter rail system.
6   Highlighted Provisions:
7This bill:
8▸ defines terms;
9▸ requires the Department of Transportation to transition commuter rail vehicles to
10   hybrid-electric operation;
11▸ requires installation of electrification infrastructure for a commuter rail system; and
12▸ establishes a deadline for completion.
13   Money Appropriated in this Bill:
14None
15   Other Special Clauses:
16None
17   Utah Code Sections Affected:
18   ENACTS:
1972-21-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
2072-21-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
21
22   Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
23Section 1. Section 72-21-101 is enacted to read:
                                                                                                         H.B. 550
24CHAPTER 21. Commuter Rail System Electrification
2572-21-101 . Definitions.
26      As used in this chapter:
27   (1) "Commuter rail" means the same as that term is defined in Section 63N-3-602.
28   (2) "Electrification infrastructure" means overhead catenary systems, substations, and
29related equipment necessary to supply electric power to commuter rail vehicles.
30   (3) "Hybrid-electric" means a commuter rail vehicle capable of operating using electric
 H.B. 550  02-11 10:38
31      power supplied by overhead catenary or third-rail infrastructure and onboard battery
32      storage, without reliance on diesel propulsion during normal operations.
33Section 2. Section 72-21-102 is enacted to read:
3472-21-102 . Commuter rail electrification -- Hybrid-electric transition.
35  (1) The department shall lead and coordinate the statewide transition of commuter rail
36      service to hybrid-electric operation.
37  (2) Before January 1, 2031, the department, in coordination with a large public transit
38      district, shall:
39      (a) convert each existing commuter rail vehicle to hybrid-electric operation or replace
40each existing commuter rail vehicle with a hybrid-electric commuter rail vehicle; and
41      (b) install and operate the electrification infrastructure needed for hybrid-electric
42commuter rail vehicle operation.
43  (3) Beginning July 1, 2027, a large public transit district may not place a commuter rail
44      vehicle into service unless the vehicle is hybrid-electric.
45  (4) The department may implement this section in phases by corridor or service segment to
46      ensure continuity of commuter rail service.
47Section 3. Effective Date.
48  This bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.
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