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S 5713

Requires railroad corporations to inform the division of homeland security and emergency services, department of environmental conservation, and department of transportation about certain freight rail trains

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 5 co-sponsors

Requires railroad companies to notify three New York state agencies (DHS, DEC, DOT) about certain freight trains to improve emergency, environmental, and safety coordination.

DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
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Bill Summary · S 5713

Summary of S. 5713

What the bill would do

S. 5713 would require railroad corporations to inform three New York State agencies—the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Department of Transportation (DOT)—about certain freight rail trains. The bill aims to improve coordination among state agencies in relation to freight rail operations, likely to enhance emergency preparedness, environmental oversight, and transportation safety. The exact scope of “certain freight rail trains” and the required content and timing of notices are not specified in the information provided.

Purpose and Intent

  • Strengthen state-level awareness and oversight of freight rail activities by mandating notice to key agencies.
  • Facilitate timely emergency response, hazard assessment, and environmental monitoring related to freight movements.
  • Promote coordination between railroad operators and state agencies responsible for homeland security, environmental protection, and transportation.

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Obligation on railroad corporations: to provide notice to:
    • Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    • Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
    • Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Subject: certain freight rail trains (the exact criteria and content of the notices are not defined in the provided summary).
  • The bill creates a regulatory requirement aimed at improving interagency communication and situational awareness for potential incidents or environmental impacts tied to freight rail operations.

Affected Parties

  • Primary obligations apply to railroad corporations operating freight trains.
  • State agencies involved:
    • Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    • DEC
    • DOT
  • Potentially, the provision could influence how railroads plan routes, cargo handling, and incident response in coordination with state agencies.

Legislative Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: February 28, 2025
  • Referred to Transportation: February 28, 2025
  • Committee actions: Committee discharged and committed to Rules (June 9, 2025); ordered to third reading (CAL.1632)
  • Senate action: Passed Senate (June 12, 2025)
  • Assembly action: Delivered to Assembly (June 12, 2025); referred to Transportation (June 12, 2025)
  • Current status: Referred to Assembly Transportation (as of the latest information)
  • Related bills: S. 6924 (prior-session); A. 1002 (companion)

Sponsors and Related Measures

  • Primary sponsor: James Skoufis
  • Co-sponsors: Robert Jackson, Robert Rolison, Rachel May, Lea Webb, Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
  • Related or companion measures exist in the Assembly (A 1002).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Benefits: Improved emergency response readiness, enhanced environmental oversight, and better transportation governance related to freight rail operations.
  • Burdens/Costs: Railroads may need to implement or adjust notification processes and data-sharing practices; costs would depend on the exact information requirements and timelines (not detailed here).
  • Gaps in provided text: The bill’s precise definitions (which trains qualify, what information must be disclosed, how notices are delivered, and any penalties for noncompliance) are not specified in the available summary.

Next Steps

  • If the Assembly Transportation Committee moves the bill forward, it could progress to full Assembly consideration. Potential amendments could clarify scope, notice content, timing, enforcement, and penalties.

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

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