On February 17, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker introduced a bill to ensure that the Bay Area Rapid Transit District can’t divert capital improvement funds for operating costs.
BART, who last November asked voters to support Measure RR which required a 2/3 vote which was approved by 70.1% is slated to issue $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds for system improvements will have an influx of money that could potentially be used for operating costs.
Baker hopes to prevent that.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 29158.1 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:
29158.1.
(a) The district shall maintain its existing commitment of funds for the acquisition, construction, or completion of rapid transit facilities. Following approval of Measure RR at the November 8, 2016, election, the district shall not redirect any existing funds dedicated for system improvements to cover operating expenses.
SEC. 2.
If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.