Bill > SB356

This bill establishes new regulations for railroad train operations in Oklahoma by defining key terms such as "branch line" (a secondary railroad track), "main line" (a Class I railroad with at least 5 million gross tons of annual traffic), and "train" (locomotives coupled with or without cars). The legislation prohibits railroad companies from operating trains longer than 8,500 feet or longer than the shortest siding or passing track, and from blocking intersections for more than 10 minutes at a time. Violations will result in significant financial penalties: for willful violations, railroads will be charged between $500 and $1,000 per foot of excessive train length, and for grossly negligent or repeated violations that pose or cause harm to human life, fines can reach up to $250,000. The Transportation Commission will determine penalty amounts based on factors like the violation's severity, the company's history, and ability to pay. At the commission's request, the Attorney General can initiate civil actions to collect these penalties, which will be deposited into the State Transportation Fund. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and aims to improve railroad safety and operational efficiency by limiting train lengths and intersection blockages.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb356&Session=2600