Bill > SB544

This bill modifies California's Public Utilities Code to streamline the process for railroad crossing permit applications by establishing new requirements and review procedures. The bill requires that all railroad crossing applications must include detailed information such as a description of the proposed crossing location, scaled maps showing the crossing's relationship to existing roads and railroads, profile details of ground and grade lines, copies of relevant franchises or permits, and any applicable safety and regulatory measures. Additionally, the bill introduces an expedited review process for "exempt railroad crossing applications," which are defined as applications with clear public benefit, no valid protests, and no need for extensive hearings. The Public Utilities Commission must adopt this expedited process after consulting stakeholders and will be required to publicly notice these applications on their voting agenda, ensuring transparency while potentially speeding up approval for straightforward crossing projects. The bill aims to make the railroad crossing permit application process more efficient and standardized, while maintaining public oversight and input.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB544