An act relating to legislative approval of leases for continued operation of State-owned railroad rights-of-way

This bill requires Vermont's General Assembly to approve all new leases or lease renewals for State-owned railroad corridors used for ongoing operations. It directly affects the Secretary of Transportation (as the State's agent) and railroad operators seeking to lease these corridors, shifting approval authority from the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee to the full legislature. The bill amends existing law to mandate General Assembly approval for all such leases, while maintaining the existing requirement for federal Surface Transportation Board approval. Short-term leases (up to six months) remain permitted but must be reported to transportation committees within 10 days. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.