Bill > S2433

This bill aims to mandate the electrification of Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) by establishing a comprehensive framework for transitioning public transportation buses to electric vehicles. The legislation defines electric vehicles as those relying solely on electric motors for propulsion and requires RTAs to prioritize electric bus deployment in environmental justice populations. The bill sets specific procurement targets for electric vehicles, requiring 40% of new vehicle purchases to be electric by 2028, 60% by 2030, and 80% by 2032, with a full implementation deadline of December 31, 2035. RTAs must conduct community outreach and provide annual reports detailing their electrification progress, including explanations for any continued fossil fuel vehicle purchases. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Transportation to establish a central planning and procurement office by December 31, 2026, to support the electric bus rollout, provide worker retraining and support for potentially displaced employees, and ensure that infrastructure-related labor is paid prevailing wages and subject to project labor agreements. The department is also tasked with identifying funding sources, including potential federal opportunities, to support the electric vehicle transition in alignment with existing environmental regulations.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2433