H.R. 188

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To 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.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · January 3, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Nehls · Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Table of contents

• H.R. 188
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Open meetings

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act.

SEC. 2. Open meetings

• Section 24301(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
  • by striking and inserting the following:
    • (1) In general
      • Except as provided in paragraph (3), sections 552 and 552b of title 5, this part
  • in the second sentence by striking and inserting the following:
    • (2) Timing of application
      • Except as provided in paragraph (3), sections 552 and 552b of title 5 apply
    • (3) Scope of application
      • (A) Information
        • The requirements of the second sentence of section 552b(b) of title 5 shall not apply to any portion of an Amtrak meeting and subsections (d) and (e) of section 552b of title 5 shall not apply to any information pertaining to any portion of an Amtrak meeting otherwise required by section 552b of title 5 to be disclosed to the public in any case in which Amtrak properly determines that such portion or portions of the meeting or the disclosure of such information is likely to involve—
          • (i) contract negotiations, including negotiations for contract procurements and agreements, the disclosure of which would imperil or compromise the competitive position of Amtrak;
          • (ii) collective bargaining agreements or any terms and conditions that are proposed for inclusion in any collective bargaining agreement, including the negotiation of terms and conditions with employees or representatives of employees of Amtrak; and
          • (iii) with respect to any individual who is a prospective officer, employee, or contractor or an officer, employee, or contractor employed or appointed by Amtrak, matters involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, terms and conditions of employment, evaluation of the performance of, promotion or disciplining of any such individual, unless all such individuals whose rights could be adversely affected request in writing that the matter or matters be discussed at a public meeting.
      • (B) Additional application
        • In addition to the information described in subparagraph (B), the information described in section 552b(c) shall apply to Amtrak meetings.
  • by adding at the end the following: