119 S5080 IS: Modal Parity in Permitting Act U.S. Senate 2026-07-22 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II119th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 5080IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 22, 2026Ms. Alsobrooks (for herself and Mr. Cramer) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsA BILLTo amend title 49, United States Code, to clarify the assistance available for recipients of assistance under chapter 53 of such title for acquisition of real property interests, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Modal Parity in Permitting Act.

2.

Acquisition of real property interests

(a)

In general

Section 5323(q) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—(1)in the heading, by striking Corridor preservation and inserting Real property interests;(2)in paragraph (1)—(A)by striking right-of-way each time it appears and inserting real property interests; and(B)by inserting acquired after may use the; and(3)in paragraph (2), by striking Right-of-way and inserting Real property interests.(b)

Updates required

Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration shall update the FTA Circular 5010.1F (published on November 1, 2024), or any successor circular or regulations, and any other relevant guidance as necessary to implement the amendments made by subsection (a).

3.

Passenger rail project transactions

(a)

In general

Chapter 242 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

24203.

Passenger rail project transactions

(a)

Acquisition of real property interests during environmental review

A recipient of financial assistance under chapter 229, 249, or 243 may use such assistance to acquire, through purchase, lease, or otherwise, any real property interest necessary for a project before the environmental review for the project is complete if the acquisition or related transaction is otherwise permitted by Federal law.(b)

Timing of development

A real property interest purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired under subsection (a) may not be physically developed or improved in anticipation of the project until all required environmental reviews for the project have been completed.

.(b)

Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 242 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:24203. Passenger rail project transactions..