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HM 41

ASSESS BLOCKED TRAIN CROSSING TIMES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Day Hochman-Vigil

NMDOT to assess blocked train-crossing times in New Mexico, consult rail operators and unions, and report findings by Sept 1, 2025 to guide improvements (nonbinding memorial).

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Bill Summary · HM 41

HM 41 Summary — Assess Blocked Train Crossing Times

Overview

  • Bill Type: House Memorial (HM)
  • Bill Number: HM 41
  • Title: Assess Blocked Train Crossing Times
  • Status: Signed into law as a memorial (passed and signed in 2025)
  • Introduced: February 25, 2025
  • Sponsor: Hochman-Vigil
  • Short Title: AN ASSSESS BLOCKED TRAIN CROSSING TIMES
  • Subject: Aviation & Railroads, Highways, Roads & Bridges, Memorials, Other

Purpose and Intent

HM 41 seeks to have the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) assess how long train crossings are blocked across the state and to work with rail providers to propose operational changes aimed at reducing those blocked times. The memorial also calls for consultation with railroad services and unions representing railroad employees and requires a reporting of findings and conclusions to relevant interim transportation committees.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Assessment Objective: NMDOT to measure blocked train crossing times across New Mexico and identify opportunities to reduce stopping times at crossings.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: NMDOT to confer with rail operators statewide and with unions representing railroad employees; consider input from users at each crossing.
  • Scope and Prioritization: The memorial does not necessarily require assessing every crossing. NMDOT has flexibility to prioritize crossings to ensure a cost-effective assessment.
  • Reporting Requirement: NMDOT must report findings and conclusions to the appropriate interim committees studying transportation by September 1, 2025.
  • Possible Outcomes: Recommendations for operational changes at crossings; potential alignment with future grant opportunities for crossing improvements or related safety upgrades.

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

  • Nonbinding Nature: Memorials do not carry appropriations and do not obligate agency action, but they may guide future efforts.
  • Estimated Cost if Implemented: If NMDOT undertakes the work, the cost could be up to $500,000 (nonrecurring), likely for consultant services. This would be funded from the State Road Fund.
  • Timing Considerations: NMDOT notes the large number of crossings could make timely completion by the September 1, 2025 deadline challenging.

Context and Background

  • New Mexico has approximately 700 public-road railroad crossings and about 700 private-road crossings. Blocking times can be substantial (reports mention blocks of up to 30 minutes in rural areas), raising access and safety concerns.
  • The initiative aligns with broader transportation funding opportunities, including Federal Railroad Administration grants for crossing elimination or safety enhancements.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and railway providers operating in the state.
  • Secondary: Railroad employee unions, crossing users (public), local governments, and entities applying for related transportation grants.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Committee Action: The Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee recommended DO PASS (11–0) before referral.
  • Reporting Deadline: September 1, 2025, to the interim transportation committees studying transportation.
  • Public Policy Note: As a memorial, HM 41 does not create law but expresses legislative intent and requests actions and reporting.

Potential Impact

  • Provides data and analysis that could inform future infrastructure investments and policy changes to reduce crossing delays.
  • Could strengthen applications for Federal Railroad Administration funding to address specific crossings or corridors with the greatest delay issues.
  • Sets a framework for ongoing collaboration among NMDOT, rail providers, and labor representatives to address crossing-time challenges, especially in rural areas.

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

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