Transportation: railroads; minimum freight train operating crew size; require. Amends 1993 PA 354 (MCL 462.101 - 462.451) by adding sec. 352.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 5 co-sponsors

SB 958 would require freight trains in Michigan to be operated by at least two crew members, with limited hostler, helper, or federal exemptions.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

#transportation:railroads

Summary of SB 958 (2025-2026) — Michigan

This summary explains the bill’s purpose, key provisions, who is affected, and important procedural notes.

Purpose and intent

SB 958 would amend the Michigan Railroad Code (1993 PA 354) to establish a minimum crew size for freight trains operating within the state.

The core aim is to require at least two individuals on the train crew, with limited exceptions, to enhance safety and supervision during freight operations.

Key provisions and changes

Section 352 creates a new rule: railroad companies may not operate a freight train unless the train is operated by a crew of at least 2 individuals.

Exceptions (subsections 2 and 3):

(2)(a) The two-person crew rule does not apply when a locomotive is in hostler service.
(2)(b) The two-person crew rule does not apply when a locomotive is in helper service.
(3) The two-person crew rule does not apply if a federal statute or regulation in effect requires a crew of at least 2 individuals for freight trains in Michigan.

Definitions (subsection 4):

(a) “Helper service” means assisting a train that is experiencing a mechanical failure or is ascending/descending a grade by coupling a locomotive to the front or rear of the train.
(b) “Hostler service” means moving a train or locomotive a short distance within a railroad yard or mechanical facility.
(c) “Train” means one or more locomotives coupled with one or more freight cars.

Who would be affected

Freight railroad operators operating trains within Michigan.

Crews, particularly those assigned to freight operations, as the new rule directly governs minimum crew size.

Entities subject to federal preemption: trains already governed by federal law requiring a two-person crew would not be affected due to the federal regulatory exception.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: May 13, 2026.

Referral: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The bill’s text specifies the effective constraints once enacted but does not specify a phase-in period in the provided excerpt. If enacted, Michigan railroads would need to adjust operations to ensure compliance, or rely on any applicable federal preemption or hostler/helper exemptions.

Notes for readers

The policy focuses on safety by mandating a minimum two-person crew for freight operations, aligning with broader debates about railroad safety and staffing.

The bill preserves existing operations where the two-person crew is not required due to hostler or helper roles or federal law.

No monetary penalties or enforcement mechanisms are detailed in the provided text; those elements, if included elsewhere in the bill or in implementing regulations, would determine practical compliance costs and enforcement.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with current law and highlight potential cost or operational impacts based on typical freight railroad practices.