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SF 38

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

Bill SF 38 mandates at least two qualified crew members on Class I and II trains to enhance safety, imposing penalties for non-compliance to protect passengers and freight.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#federalgovernment #freighttransportation #passengers #railroads #transportation
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Bill Summary · SF 38

Summary of Bill SF 38

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

Bill Number: SF 38
Introduced: January 14, 2025
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
Classification: Bill
Subject: Federal Government, Freight Transportation, Passengers, Railroads, Transportation

Purpose and Intent

Bill SF 38 aims to enhance safety in railroad operations by mandating that locomotives or railroad trains operated by Class I and Class II rail carriers must have a crew of at least two qualified railroad employees. This requirement is intended to ensure that trains are operated safely and effectively, particularly during the movement of passengers and freight.

Key Provisions

  • Crew Size Requirement:

    • The bill stipulates that any locomotive or railroad train operated by a Class I or Class II rail carrier must be staffed by a minimum of two qualified railroad employees when on a railroad track.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance:

    • Railroad companies found guilty of violating the crew size requirement will face penalties based on the number of offenses:
    • First Offense: Subject to a schedule “three” penalty as outlined in section 327C.5.
    • Second or Subsequent Offense: Subject to a schedule “five” penalty, with the second offense being treated as a first violation for penalty calculation purposes.
    • Only offenses occurring within the three years prior to the most recent violation will be considered when determining the number of offenses.

Affected Parties

  • Railroad Companies:
    Class I and Class II rail carriers will be directly impacted by this legislation, as they will need to ensure compliance with the new crew size requirement.

  • Railroad Employees:
    Qualified railroad employees may benefit from increased job security and safety measures due to the mandated crew size.

  • Passengers and Freight Shippers:
    The bill aims to enhance safety for passengers and freight shippers by ensuring that trains are operated with adequate staffing.

Procedural Aspects

  • Subcommittee Actions:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the Transportation Committee on January 14, 2025.
    • A subcommittee meeting was held on January 27, 2025, where the bill was discussed.
    • On January 29, 2025, the subcommittee recommended the bill for passage.

Conclusion

Bill SF 38 represents a significant step towards improving safety standards in railroad operations by enforcing a minimum crew size. The penalties for non-compliance are designed to encourage adherence to these safety measures, ultimately benefiting both railroad employees and the public.

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

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