Creates Office of Rail Safety within the DOT.

Creates the Office of Rail Safety. Requires application and a request for certification with the Federal Railroad Administration; upon certification, requires the Office of Rail Safety to assume the inspection and investigation functions in certain aspects of the railroad operations; allows the Office of Rail Safety to regulate and monitor time limits on the blocking of railroad-highway grade crossings; requires railroads to pay a fee to cover the costs of the inspections; grants rulemaking power to the Department of Transportation to make rules related to the implementation of the Office of Rail Safety and employee safety standards related to walkways and clearances; and makes technical changes.

Effective 60 days following adjournment.

01/17/2023 Introduced. First reading. Referred to House Committee on Rules.
01/25/2023 Referred to House Committee on Transportation.
02/07/2023 House Committee on Transportation recommends passage of Committee substitute.
02/08/2023 Second reading in House.
02/13/2023 Third reading. Passed House.
02/13/2023 Introduced in Senate. First reading. Referred to Senate Committee on Rules.
02/15/2023 Referred to Senate Committee on Business and Labor.
02/21/2023 Reported favorably by Senate Committee on Business and Labor.
02/23/2023 Passed second reading in Senate.
02/28/2023 Passed third reading in Senate with amendment.
02/28/2023 To House with Senate amendment.
03/01/2023 House concurs with Senate amendment. Signed by Speaker of the House and President of the Senate.
03/02/2023 Bill enrolled.
03/13/2023 Delivered to Governor.
03/13/2023 Signed by Governor.