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HF 494

A bill for an act relating to the operation of railroad trains by a crew of two or more persons, and providing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Sieck

HF 494 would require two qualified railroad workers aboard locomotives or trains run by Class I/II carriers when moving passengers or freight, with penalties for violators.

Introduced, referred to Transportation.
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Bill Summary · HF 494

Summary of HF 494 (Introduced Feb. 20, 2025)

Overview

HF 494 is a transportation bill that would require that a locomotive or railroad train operated by a Class I or Class II rail carrier, when moving passengers or freight on railroad tracks, be crewed by at least two qualified railroad employees. The bill sets penalties for violations and outlines how offenses are counted and classified for penalty purposes. The primary sponsor is Sieck, and the bill was introduced and referred to the Transportation committee.

  • Bill: HF 494
  • Title: A bill for an act relating to the operation of railroad trains by a crew of two or more persons, and providing penalties
  • Status: Introduced; referred to Transportation
  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Sieck
  • Subject: Railroads

What the bill would do

  • Require a two-person crew on locomotives or railroad trains operated by Class I or Class II rail carriers when the operation involves movement of passengers or freight on railroad tracks.
  • Mandate that the two-person crew comprise at least two qualified railroad employees.

Key provisions and penalties

  • Section 327F.33 – Crew size and penalties:
    • Subsection 1: Applies to locomotives or trains operated by a Class I or Class II rail carrier in connection with passenger or freight movement; these operations must be staffed by a crew of at least two qualified railroad employees.
    • Subsection 2a (Penalties for violators):
    • First offense: A schedule “three” penalty, as provided in section 327C.5.
    • Second or subsequent offense: A schedule “five” penalty, as provided in section 327C.5.
    • A second offense counts as a first violation for purposes of calculating schedule “five.”
    • Subsection 2b (Offense counting period): For determining whether an offense is first, second, or subsequent, only offenses committed within the three-year period prior to the most recent offense are considered.
  • Subsection 3 (Explanation): The bill includes an explanatory note describing the rationale and defining terms, including the role of the Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) in classifying rail carriers. The explanation is non-binding commentary.
  • Definitions and cross-references in the explanation:
    • The STB classifies rail carriers into Class I, II, and III based on revenue criteria; Class I thresholds are defined by the STB.
    • The penalties referenced (schedule “three” and schedule “five”) are penalties established in section 327C.5.

Scope and affected entities

  • Affected entities: Class I and Class II rail carriers operating on tracks with passenger or freight movements.
  • Affected individuals/workers: Qualified railroad employees who would comprise the required two-person crew.
  • Geographic/operational scope: Applies to operations on railroad tracks within the jurisdiction of the state, aligned with definitions used by the STB for Class I and II carriers.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Transportation committee on February 20, 2025.
  • No enacted timeline or effective date is provided in the text available for HF 494.

Potential impact

  • Safety and staffing: The bill would increase required crew size to two qualified workers for certain rail operations, potentially improving safety and onboard operations.
  • Labor and compliance costs: Carriers may incur higher staffing costs and need to adjust scheduling, staffing, and training to ensure two-person crews.
  • Enforcement: Violations would be handled under existing penalty schedules (schedule “three” for first offenses and schedule “five” for subsequent offenses), with a three-year lookback period for counting prior offenses.

Notes

  • The bill’s explanatory section clarifies definitions and the STB’s role in classifying carriers but does not constitute a legal endorsement.
  • This is a proposed statute and would require passage by the Legislature and any required regulatory or executive action to become law.

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

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