Bill > HB539

This bill amends Pennsylvania's railroad regulations by establishing a maximum freight train length of 8,500 feet and creating a penalty structure for violations. The legislation requires railroads to limit their freight train length, with exceptions potentially allowed if federal law mandates otherwise. Railroads violating the length restriction will face escalating fines: $5,000 to $10,000 for a first offense, $10,000 to $15,000 for a second offense within three years, and $15,000 to $20,000 for third and subsequent offenses within the same timeframe. The bill defines a "freight train" as one or more freight locomotives coupled with rail cars and a "freight locomotive" as a railroad locomotive used exclusively for transporting property. Any penalties collected will be deposited into the General Fund and used by the commission to administer and enforce the new regulations. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing railroads time to adjust to the new length requirements.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=539