Bill > SB397

This bill aims to protect the confidential personal information of railroad crew members involved in fatality incidents by establishing new rules for reporting and disclosure. The legislation recognizes the essential role of freight railroads and seeks to prevent undue harassment of crew members involved in fatal accidents. Under the new law, public records related to railroad fatalities must be maintained in a way that ensures the confidentiality of the crew's personal information, with mandatory redaction if such information is to be publicly disclosed. However, certain entities are exempt from these confidentiality restrictions, including the employing railroad, law enforcement officers, state attorneys, transportation department staff, and federal transportation safety investigators. These exempt parties can request the information in writing, but only if access is necessary for performing their official duties. The bill reflects a legislative intent to balance transparency with the protection of railroad employees' privacy, particularly in sensitive situations involving workplace fatalities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb397&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R