Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act
This bill, the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, would require the Amtrak Board of Directors to follow the open meetings requirements that apply under section 552b of title 5 (the federal Sunshine Act) and related provisions from the government-wide open meetings and public disclosure framework (and to apply sections 552 and 552b to Amtrak as a whole). In practice, this means Amtrak board meetings would generally be open to the public, with specified exemptions. The bill creates specific carve-outs for information or portions of meetings where disclosure could harm competitive positions in contract negotiations, hinder bargaining with employees, involve sensitive personnel matters, or reveal confidential commercial information. It also preserves safety considerations and the ability to comply with legal obligations and normal business operations. The stated intent is to increase transparency for passengers and taxpayers while allowing necessary confidentiality in certain sensitive areas.
Key Points
- 1Applies open meetings rules to Amtrak Board of Directors, making most meetings and related information publicly accessible, subject to defined exemptions.
- 2Exempts portions of meetings and certain information from disclosure if release would likely harm Amtrak’s competitive position in contracts, procurements, or agreements.
- 3Exempts personnel matters (employment, termination, terms and conditions, performance evaluation, promotions/discipline) for individuals unless those affected request public discussion in writing.
- 4Exempts confidential commercial information from disclosure.
- 5Includes a safety and practical-operations caveat: the bill cannot require disclosure if it would risk passenger or employee safety, nor prevent Amtrak from complying with the law, honoring contracts, or conducting normal business activities.