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2024 SESSION

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SB 143 Railroad safety; use of train, locomotive, etc., for movement of freight, minimum train crew.

Introduced by: Jennifer D. Carroll Foy | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Railroad safety; civil penalties. Requires a crew of at least two qualified individuals on all trains, locomotives, or light engines used in connection with moving freight. This bill is identical to HB 385.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Railroad safety; civil penalties. Adds various requirements for railroad companies, including (i) prohibiting placing stationary cars or trains on its track within 1,500 feet on both sides of any crossing of a railroad with a highway; (ii) prohibiting trains that exceed 8,500 feet in length on any mainline or branch line; (iii) requiring a crew of at least two qualified individuals on all trains, locomotives, or light engines used in connection with moving freight; (iv) requiring warning signs or devices for certain track obstructions that could endanger a railroad company employee; and (v) requiring walkways adjacent to yard tracks where employees regularly perform switching service. The bill requires that fines for a violation of the train-length requirement be deposited in the Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Fund for railway safety projects.