Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act

Financial Protection for Landowners: The bill requires that any agreement for interim use includes compensation for property owners to cover additional costs attributed to the interim use, including costs from the movement of existing infrastructure and lost development opportunities (Section 2, subsection (2)(D)(i)).

Transparency of Information: The Act requires the creation of an online publicly accessible portal to disclose information regarding notice, approvals, and legal status (Section 2, subsection (2)(E)).

Public Input Opportunities: The Board must provide a public notice and comment period of at least 90 days before a certification is awarded (Section 2, subsection (3)(A)).

Protection of Land Value and Utility: The Board is required to review easement widths and consider narrowing them if the full width is not necessary for potential future rail service (Section 2, subsection (3)(B)).

Landowner Representation: An advisory committee will be established that includes 6 members selected from landowners along existing trails (Section 4, subsection (b)(1)).

Mandatory Financial Burdens on Trail Sponsors: Any costs incurred by the Board to carry out specific requirements, such as reviewing easement widths, must be borne by the State, political subdivision, or qualified private organization proposing the use (Section 2, subsection (4)).

Financial Requirements for Approval: Entities seeking interim use must provide assurances to the Board that they have the financial resources to provide required compensation to property owners (Section 2, subsection (2)(D)(ii)).

Uncompensated Committee Members: Members of the newly established advisory committee will not receive compensation from the Secretary and cannot receive Federal reimbursement for travel expenses (Section 4, subsection (c)).