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SB 959

Transportation: railroads; wayside detector systems; provide for. Amends 1993 PA 354 (MCL 462.101 - 462.451) by adding secs. 280, 281, 282, 283, 284 & 285.

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

Require installation, maintenance, and oversight of wayside defect detectors on Michigan railways with timely alerts and standardized training to reduce derailment risk.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
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Bill Summary · SB 959

Summary of SB 959 (Michigan 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Proposes to amend the Railroad Code of 1993 (1993 PA 354) by adding sections 280–285.
  • The core objective is to require installation, proper operation, maintenance, and oversight of wayside detector systems along railroad tracks in Michigan, with a framework to ensure timely responses to detected defects and to align practices with federal standards and industry guidelines.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Sec. 280)

    • Establishes terms used in the new sections:
    • “Class I/II/III carrier” as defined by 49 CFR part 1201.
    • “Defect” broadly includes hot wheel bearings, hot wheels, defective bearings (including via acoustics), dragging equipment, excessive height/weight, shifted loads, low hoses, rail temperature, wheel condition.
    • “Office” means the Office of Rail in the Michigan Department of Transportation.
    • “Wayside detector system” = electronic devices/systems that scan trains and track equipment for defects.

  • Office duties and system standards (Sec. 281)

    • The Office must work with each railroad operating in Michigan to ensure wayside detector systems are installed and functioning.
    • Standards to be met:
    • Proper installation, maintenance, repair, and operation per Secs. 282–284 and current guidelines from USDOT, FRA, and AAR.
    • Outdated or nonworking components must be promptly replaced with current best practices.
    • Siting considerations to ensure adequate spacing and enough time to respond, stop if needed, and repair/remove defects.
    • Railroad must have written standards and training for employees on defect alerts and required response actions, with monitoring for non-compliant behavior.

  • Enforcement and federal compliance (Sec. 281(2)-(3))

    • If a railroad refuses to cooperate, the Office may investigate safety practices under 49 CFR Part 212 and assess compliance with federal safety laws (Part 209).
    • If not compliant, the Office must report to FRA within 60 days and share the report with state leadership and both parties of the Legislature.

  • ** siting and deviation rules (Sec. 282)**

    • Placement limits for wayside detectors from the nearest detector:
    • Class I/II railroads: not more than 10 miles apart.
    • Class III railroads: not more than 35 miles apart.
    • If terrain or other factors prevent compliance, an extension of up to 5 miles beyond these maximums is allowed.
    • Class II/III railroads must submit a written justification to the Office before installing detectors beyond the maximum distance.

  • Defect notification (Sec. 283)

    • If a detector detects a defect and the alert is not immediately relayed to the operator, the recipient must immediately notify the operator.

  • Exceptions (Sec. 284)

    • Provisions in Secs. 280–283 do not apply to tracks owned or leased by Class II or Class III railroads with a speed limit of 10 mph or less.

  • Derailment data and reporting (Sec. 285)

    • By December 31, 2028, the Office must produce a report on train derailments in Michigan using FRA statistics to identify derailments due to bearing or axle failures in the three years preceding the act’s effective date.
    • A copy of the report must be shared with the Governor and leaders of the Legislature.

Who is affected

  • Railroads operating in Michigan (Class I, II, and III carriers) will be subject to new requirements for installing, maintaining, and operating wayside detector systems, and for training and procedural standards.
  • The Office of Rail within the Michigan Department of Transportation will oversee compliance, conduct investigations, and coordinate with federal authorities (FRA) and the AAR.
  • Railway employees will have defined training and response protocols for detector alerts.
  • Public safety and affected communities may benefit from improved detection and quicker response to defects to reduce risk of derailments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: May 13, 2026.
  • Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • Key deadline in Sec. 285: By December 31, 2028, the Office must complete and distribute a derailment-report.
  • Cooperation and enforcement provisions allow the Office to investigate non-cooperative railroads and to coordinate with FRA for enforcement actions as needed.

Notes for readers

  • The bill aligns Michigan’s practice with federal railroad safety standards and updates to industry guidelines, emphasizing proactive maintenance, timely defect alerts, and standardized training.
  • It contains an explicit process for exceptions in challenging terrain and provides a reporting mechanism to monitor derailment risks related to bearing and axle failures.

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

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