Modal Parity in Permitting Act
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5080, the Modal Parity in Permitting Act, would amend federal transportation law to change how transit and passenger rail agencies can use federal financial assistance to acquire land needed for projects. Currently, a provision governing transit funding refers narrowly to acquiring "right-of-way" for corridor preservation; the bill broadens this to cover "real property interests" more generally, and directs the Federal Transit Administration to update its related guidance (FTA Circular 5010.1F or any successor) within six months of enactment. The bill also adds a new section allowing recipients of certain passenger rail assistance to acquire real property interests—by purchase, lease, or other means—before environmental review of a project is complete, provided such acquisition is otherwise legal. However, any property acquired this way could not be physically developed or improved until all required environmental reviews are finished.
The bill primarily affects transit and passenger rail agencies that receive federal funding, giving them more flexibility and consistency in acquiring land or property interests earlier in the planning process, similar to practices already allowed for some other transportation modes (hence "modal parity"). It could also affect landowners and communities near planned rail or transit corridors, since property acquisition could begin before environmental review concludes, though actual construction would still have to wait.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Angela Alsobrooks with a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee consideration and passage by both chambers before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 22, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5080 do?
- S. 5080, the Modal Parity in Permitting Act, would amend federal transportation law to change how transit and passenger rail agencies can use federal financial assistance to acquire land needed for projects. Currently, a provision governing transit funding refers narrowly to acquiring "right-of-way" for corridor preservation; the bill broadens this to cover "real property interests" more generally, and directs the Federal Transit Administration to update its related guidance (FTA Circular 5010.1F or any successor) within six months of enactment. The bill also adds a new section allowing recipients of certain passenger rail assistance to acquire real property interests—by purchase, lease, or other means—before environmental review of a project is complete, provided such acquisition is otherwise legal. However, any property acquired this way could not be physically developed or improved until all required environmental reviews are finished. The bill primarily affects transit and passenger rail agencies that receive federal funding, giving them more flexibility and consistency in acquiring land or property interests earlier in the planning process, similar to practices already allowed for some other transportation modes (hence "modal parity"). It could also affect landowners and communities near planned rail or transit corridors, since property acquisition could begin before environmental review concludes, though actual construction would still have to wait. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Angela Alsobrooks with a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee consideration and passage by both chambers before becoming law.
- Has S. 5080 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, S. 5080 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5080?
- S. 5080 was sponsored by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks [D-MD] (Democrat-MD), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5080?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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