Requires a two-person crew minimum for railroad trains or light engines used in connection with the removal of freight

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Jordan

Requires at least two crew members on railroad trains or light engines used to remove freight.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#motorvehicles #railroads

Summary of HB 3462 (Session 2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

HB 3462 would require a minimum two-person crew on railroad trains or light engines when they are used in connection with the removal of freight. The bill aims to ensure safety during the process of removing freight by mandating that there are at least two crew members operating or supervising such locomotives or engines.

Key provisions

Two-person crew requirement: Any railroad train or light engine involved in the removal of freight must be operated or overseen by at least two individuals.

Scope: Applies specifically to trains or light engines used in connection with the removal of freight, rather than all railroad operations.

Likely exceptions or details: The bill text provided does not specify explicit exemptions, guardrails, or enforcement mechanisms; those details would be clarified in the full bill language (e.g., definitions of “removal of freight,” what constitutes “railroad train” or “light engine,” and any transitional provisions).

Who is affected

Rail operators and freight customers: Companies that operate trains or light engines for the purpose of removing freight would be directly impacted, as they must ensure at least two crew members are present during such operations.

Railroad workers: The policy would affect staffing requirements and potentially shift patterns, safety protocols, and training related to two-person crews.

Regulators and enforcement: State officials responsible for railroad safety oversight would enforce the two-person crew requirement and address non-compliance.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduction and first reading: Introduced and read for the first time on February 26, 2026.

Second reading: Read for a second time on February 27, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Emerging Issues(H) committee on May 15, 2026, indicating it is being reviewed as a current or emerging safety concern.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Steve Jordan, signaling bipartisan or district-level support.

Potential impacts and considerations

Safety benefits: A two-person crew mandate is typically aimed at reducing the risk of accidents or injuries during freight removal operations by ensuring cross-checks, communication, and immediate assistance.

Operational implications: Railroads may face increased labor costs and scheduling adjustments to maintain two-person crews for relevant operations.

Legal and regulatory context: The bill would add a statutory requirement that rail operators must comply with; enforcement would depend on accompanying provisions (penalties, audits, and remedies) in the full text.

Note: This summary reflects the information available in the bill’s action history and title. The complete bill text would provide precise definitions, exemptions, penalties, and implementation timelines.