Multiple Crew Members Required For Freight Trains

The bill requires a common carrier engaged in the transportation of property by railroad to have at least 2 crew members aboard a railroad train or light engine operated in connection with carrying freight while the freight train or light engine is moving; except that, the 2 crew member requirement does not apply to a railroad train or light engine operated by remote control in compliance with federal railroad administration rules or to hostler service, utility employee service, or distributed power helper service. Annually, the public utilities commission shall report to the transportation legislation review committee on the number and types of violations that occurred within the previous 12 months. If the federal government, by statute or rule, mandates a minimum number of crew members that must be aboard a railroad train or light engine, the bill is repealed.

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)