Requires a railroad corporation to install and operate a network of wayside detector systems on or adjacent to any track used by a freight train with maximum spacing specified for individual detection devices along a continuous track.

Requires a railroad corporation to install and operate a network of wayside detector systems on or adjacent to any track used by a freight train with maximum spacing specified for individual detection devices along a continuous track. The bill would define "wayside detector system" to mean an electronic device or series of connected devices that scans passing freight trains, rolling stock, on-track equipment, and their component equipment and parts for defects. Requires a wayside detector system to issue certain messages if a defect is detected or is not detected, and would specify actions to be taken if a message indicating a defect is detected. Requires a railroad corporation to ensure that its employees know and understand these requirements. Requires the Commission to enforce these requirements and would impose a penalty of not less than $25,000 upon a railroad corporation for each violation. Prohibits certain freight trains with a total length exceeding 7,500 feet from operating on any part of a main line or branch line in this state. Requires a freight train, rolling stock, or other on-track equipment that is completely stopped and that is blocking an at-grade railroad crossing to be cut, separated, or moved to clear the at-grade railroad crossing upon the approach of an emergency vehicle, except as specified. Requires the Commission to enforce these provisions and would impose penalties of not less than $5,000 for a first violation, $10,000 for a 2nd violation, and $25,000 for a 3rd or subsequent violation.

Pending Committee action.

02/20/2025 Introduced. Read first time in Senate. Referred to Senate Committee on Rules for assignment.
03/05/2025 Referred to Senate Committee on Rules.
03/24/2025 From Senate Committee on Rules with amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to to Senate Committee on Rules.
04/02/2025 Re-referred to Senate Committees on Energy, Utilities and Communications, and Transportation.
04/08/2025 Passed favorably from Senate Committee on Transportation with amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications.
04/10/2025 Set for hearing on April 21 in Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications.