### Question
How does the law define State?


### Answer
Under *49 U.S.C. § 24712*, **State** is defined as:

> any of the 50 States, including the District of Columbia, that sponsor the operation of trains by Amtrak on a State-supported route, or a public entity that sponsors such operation on such a route

#### Citation:
  - *49 U.S.C. § 24712*
  - Heading: **SUBTITLE V-RAIL PROGRAMS > PART C-PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION > CHAPTER 247-AMTRAK ROUTE SYSTEM**

