Limits length of train to 8,500 feet. Requires 2 crew members for movement of freight by rail. Recodifies North Carolina Rail Safety Improvement Act.

Limits length of train to 8,500 feet and makes violation of the limit a Class 1 misdemeanor with specified fines.

Requires railroad trains or light engines used in a Class 1 railroad, as defined by the Federal Surface Transportation Board, in the connection with movement of freight to have a crew of at least two persons and makes violation of the requirement a Class 1 misdemeanor with specified fines. Sets out exemptions.

Recodifies North Carolina Rail Safety Improvement Act. Requires railroads operating in the state to have wayside detector systems (electronic device or connected devices that scan passing trains for defects) on every main line at specified intervals. Sets out actions that the train crew must take upon receiving a defect message, including based on the inspection, and a determination by the crew of the train that it is safe for movement, proceed along the line at a speed not exceeding 10 miles per hour if the train includes hazardous, explosive, or flammable materials or not exceeding 30 miles per hour otherwise. Makes it unlawful for a train, railroad care, or engine to obstruct public traffic at a grade crossing for more than ten minutes unless the train meets certain conditions for continuous movement or events outside the train�s control. Requires railroads operating in the state to provide walkways with specified characteristics adjacent to portions of yard tracks, main line switching tracks, siding, or industrial access tracks maintained by a railroad. Requires railroads to give access to their property to union representatives to investigate any complaint, violation, incident, injury, or fatality reported by a crew member. Cites civil penalties for violations of NCRSIA.

Dead.

04/17/2023 Filed in House.
04/18/2023 First reading in House. Referred to House Committee on Transportation, if favorable, refer to House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
05/04/2023 Missed crossover deadline.