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SR 78

A RESOLUTION recognizing and honoring the CSX Santa Train.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Madon and 1 co-sponsor

The resolution formally recognizes and honors the CSX Santa Train for its cultural impact and thanks its sponsors, volunteers, and partners.

adopted by voice vote
#commendationsandrecognitions
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Bill Summary · SR 78

Summary of SR 78 (2026RS) – Kentucky Senate

Overview

  • Type: State Senate Resolution
  • Jurisdiction: Kentucky
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session (26 RS)
  • Official Title: A RESOLUTION recognizing and honoring the CSX Santa Train
  • Sponsor(s): Senator Phillip Wheeler (primary); Co-sponsors: Senator Scott Madon

Purpose and Intent

  • To recognize and honor the CSX Santa Train, a longstanding charitable holiday tradition in eastern Kentucky and the broader Appalachian region.
  • To acknowledge the cultural impact, community support, and charitable work associated with the Santa Train.
  • To express appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, CSX employees, and community partners who sustain the event annually.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Recognition and Appreciation

    • The Kentucky Senate formally recognizes the CSX Santa Train for its profound cultural impact in eastern Kentucky.
    • Expresses deep appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, and partner organizations that enable the event each year.
    • Wishes continued good fortune to all involved in future iterations of the program.

  • Section 2: Communications and Transmission

    • The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of the resolution to Senator Phillip Wheeler for presentation to CSX.

Scope of Impact

  • Geographic Reach: The Santa Train operates along a 110-mile route through Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee, with emphasis on eastern Kentucky.
  • Beneficiaries: Children and families along the route who receive toys, backpacks with supplies, and cold-weather gear.
  • Materials Distributed (Recent Year Reference): In 2025, the Santa Train distributed:
    • More than 15,000 toys
    • About 6,000 train safety books
    • Approximately 5,000 bags with cold-weather gear
  • Operational Model: The event relies on volunteers, CSX employees, and community partners (e.g., Appalachian Power, Food City, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce) who prepare backpacks and support the train’s journey.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introductory Action: Introduced February 4, 2026; referred to the Committee on Committees (S).
  • Floor Action:
    • Reported to the Senate Floor on February 9, 2026.
    • Adopted by voice vote on February 18, 2026.
  • Effective Date: As a resolution, it becomes effective upon passage by the Senate; no substantive fiscal or regulatory changes are enacted by the bill.
  • Publication: The resolution directs formal recognition and the transmission of the document to CSX via Senator Wheeler.

Practical Implications

  • The resolution formally elevates the Santa Train as a valued community tradition within Kentucky.
  • It serves as a ceremonial endorsement and public acknowledgment from the Kentucky Senate, potentially aiding public goodwill, sponsorship awareness, and community pride.
  • It does not create new laws, funding, or programmatic requirements beyond recognition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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