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Bill

S 2341

Prohibits certain COVID-19 mask and face covering mandates by state agencies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 6 co-sponsors

Requires two-person crews on all freight trains and light engines in Massachusetts, with escalating civil fines for willful violations; effective July 1, 2025.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 2341

Summary — S.2341 (Massachusetts): "An Act relative to 2‑person train crew size"

Note on metadata: the bill text provided is a Massachusetts bill filed January 15, 2025, by Senators Michael D. Brady and Michael O. Moore concerning required freight train crew size. Some surrounding metadata (title about masks, listed federal sponsors, and committee referrals) appears inconsistent with that text; this summary is based on the bill text as filed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Purpose

Require a minimum crew size of two people on freight trains and light engines operating in connection with freight movement within Massachusetts, with civil penalties for willful violations. The apparent intent is to mandate two‑person crews for safety and operational reasons.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 8 to Chapter 161C of the Massachusetts General Laws.
  • Crew requirement: “No train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight may be operated unless it has a crew consisting of at least 2 persons.”
    • Exemptions: this definition expressly excludes hostler service and utility employees.
  • Penalties for willful violations (civil fines against the company):
    • First offense: $250–$1,000.
    • Second offense within 3 years: $1,000–$5,000.
    • Third and subsequent offenses within 3 years: $5,000–$10,000.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • Freight rail operators and companies that operate trains or light engines in Massachusetts.
  • Shortline/regional railroads and national carriers when operating within the Commonwealth.
  • Hostler and utility employees are explicitly excluded from the crew-size requirement.

Enforcement and penalties

  • Penalties are monetary fines assessed against companies for willful violations.
  • The bill text does not specify the enforcing agency or enforcement procedures beyond the fine amounts.

Procedural status & timeline (from provided records)

  • Filed/Presented: January 15, 2025 (Senate docket).
  • Effective date if enacted: July 1, 2025.
  • Committee/action records in the supplied metadata are inconsistent (references to multiple committee referrals and hearing dates). A hearing was listed for October 7, 2025, in one record; others show referrals to committees including Transportation and Finance. Consult the official Massachusetts legislative website for the current docket and committee status.

Considerations and potential issues

  • Federal preemption: railroad safety and operations are heavily regulated at the federal level (e.g., Federal Railroad Administration and federal statutes). State laws addressing crew size have faced legal challenges elsewhere; implementation could raise preemption questions.
  • Enforcement detail: the bill establishes penalties but does not identify the state agency responsible for inspections, adjudication, or collection.
  • Economic impact: potential increased labor costs for carriers and operational changes; impacts will vary by carrier type and operating patterns.

For the definitive current status and any amendments, consult the official Massachusetts General Court bill page for S.2341.

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

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