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2021 SPECIAL SESSION I

21200385D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 542
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations
on February 17, 2021)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate McQuinn)
Directing the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study transit equity and modernization in the Commonwealth. Report.

WHEREAS, public transit is vital for the equitable growth of the Commonwealth's economy, transportation infrastructure, and sustainability efforts; and

WHEREAS, people across the Commonwealth rely on public transit to reach employment opportunities, socialize with friends and family, connect with their communities, and meaningfully participate in our society; and

WHEREAS, many transportation systems in the Commonwealth lack the necessary infrastructure to provide essential public transit needs; and

WHEREAS, in order to make public transit in the Commonwealth a world-class transportation system, we must analyze equity issues as we focus on improvements, increased efficiency, and modernization; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission be directed to study transit equity and modernization in the Commonwealth.

In conducting its study, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) shall work with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to identify what is needed to achieve the equitable delivery of transportation services and modernization of transit in the Commonwealth. To the extent feasible, JLARC shall incorporate its study under this joint resolution into any JLARC study of transportation infrastructure that is currently in progress. With the cooperation of DRPT, all transit agencies that receive funding pursuant to subdivision D 1 of § 33.2-1526.1 of the Code of Virginia, and any stakeholders that JLARC determines it is appropriate to include, JLARC shall study transit accessibility, adequacy of transit infrastructure, transit electrification, implementation of emerging technology, transit safety, and transit system engagement, with particular emphasis on transit services and engagement opportunities for underserved and underrepresented communities.

Technical assistance shall be provided to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission by the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission for this study, upon request.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an interim report containing an executive summary of its activity and work no later than December 1, 2021, and a final report containing an executive summary of its activities and recommendations no later than August 1, 2022. The executive summaries and reports shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.