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HB 7608

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matthew Dawson

Requires at least two crew members on trains moving freight in Rhode Island, with escalating fines for violations, effective Oct 1, 2026.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7608

Summary of HB 7608 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY

Primary purpose

To require a minimum crew size for trains or light engines involved in the movement of freight and to establish penalties for violations. The bill aims to enhance safety by mandating at least two crew members on freight-related rail movements.

Key provisions

  • Minimum crew requirement (Section 39-7-13):
    • No train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight may be operated unless it has a crew of at least two persons.
    • The requirement explicitly excludes hostler service or utility employees from the two-person crew mandate.
  • Enforcement and penalties (Section 39-7-13):
    • Violations may be subject to monetary fines, scaled by offense within a three-year period:
    • First offense: $250 to $1,000.
    • Second offense within three years: $1,000 to $5,000.
    • Third offense and subsequent offenses within three years: $5,000 to $10,000.
  • Effective date (Section 2):
    • The act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Who/what is affected

  • Railroad operators and freight companies operating trains or light engines used in freight movements within Rhode Island.
  • Individuals or entities acting as the operator who would be responsible for ensuring crew size compliance.
  • Exceptions: Hostler service and utility employees performing specific roles are not counted toward the two-person crew requirement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 11, 2026, by Representative Matthew S. Dawson.
  • Referral: House Corporations.
  • Committee actions:
    • February–April 2026: Underwent hearings and committee consideration, with the committee recommending passage on April 28, 2026.
  • Effective date: October 1, 2026, giving a lead time for compliance planning by affected parties.

Practical impact and considerations

  • The bill introduces a safety standard aligned with many national rail safety practices by requiring two-person crews for freight movements (excluding certain hostler/utility roles).
  • Rail operators will need to review scheduling, staffing, and labor arrangements to ensure two-person crews on applicable freight movements starting in October 2026.
  • Financial penalties escalate with repeated offenses, creating a deterrent against noncompliance over a three-year enforcement window.

Notes

  • The bill does not address existing contracts, union agreements, or specific operational workflows beyond establishing the two-person crew requirement and penalties.
  • No fiscal impact details are provided in the bill text; a fiscal note would typically accompany consideration of enforcement costs and compliance measures.

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

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