The bill concerns the future of the Northstar Commuter Rail line, which operates between downtown Minneapolis and Big Lake, Minnesota. It sets specific performance standards that the rail line must meet to continue operating. The standards include maintaining a minimum number of passengers (450,000 every six months and 900,000 annually) starting from June 1, 2025, and achieving a farebox recovery ratio (the percentage of operating expenses covered by fare revenue) of at least 40% annually starting in 2026.

If Northstar fails to meet any of these requirements, it must seek a federal waiver to release obligations related to any federal funding. Failure to maintain these standards without securing a waiver will lead to the rail line’s permanent shutdown, which includes stopping services, closing stations, and ending associated law enforcement services. All agreements related to the development, operation, and maintenance of Northstar would be terminated, and all related properties and assets would be sold or disposed of. Revenue from these actions would be deposited into the state’s general fund.