H.R. 188: Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act

This legislation, known as the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the Amtrak Board of Directors by amending the rules regarding their meetings and the information that must be disclosed. The key provisions of the bill are outlined below:

Open Meetings Requirement

The bill requires the Amtrak Board of Directors to follow open meetings requirements under section 552b of title 5 of the United States Code. This is intended to ensure that the meetings of the Amtrak Board are accessible to the public, allowing for greater oversight and accountability.

Exemptions from Disclosure

While the bill emphasizes transparency, it also specifies certain situations where the Amtrak Board can withhold information from the public. Notably, these exemptions include:

• Contract Negotiations: Information related to contract negotiations, including procurement agreements, can be kept private if disclosure would jeopardize Amtrak's competitive position.
• Collective Bargaining Agreements: Discussions regarding terms and conditions of employment that are under negotiation with employees can be withheld from public disclosure.
• Employment Matters: Any discussions about potential hires or existing employees—including performance evaluations and disciplinary measures—can be exempt from public meetings unless the affected individuals request such discussions to be public.

Scope of Application

The bill clarifies the scope of the open meetings requirement, stating that certain information shall not be publicly disclosed if it pertains to the situations outlined above. This aims to strike a balance between maintaining transparency and protecting sensitive information that could impact Amtrak's operations.

Overall Impact

The overall intention of the bill is to enhance public access to the workings of the Amtrak Board, thus promoting accountability to passengers and taxpayers while allowing for necessary confidentiality in specific sensitive matters.

Relevant Companies

• AMTK - Amtrak may be significantly impacted as the legislation directly affects its operational transparency and meeting protocols.