Bill > HB1191

This bill introduces several key provisions to improve railroad safety and operations in Pennsylvania. The bill prohibits blocking railroad crossings for more than five minutes when an emergency vehicle needs to pass, with a $10,000 penalty for violations. It limits freight or work trains to a maximum length of 8,500 feet and requires trains to have at least two crew members. The legislation allows collective bargaining representatives to monitor railroad safety practices and conduct investigations on railroad property. The bill mandates the installation and maintenance of wayside detector systems (electronic scanning devices) on Class IV or higher tracks to identify potential equipment defects. Additionally, the bill requires the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of hazardous materials and waste transportation by railroads, including recommendations for improving safety requirements and penalties. The commission must also create a secure reporting system for hazardous materials transportation, making the information available only to emergency management agencies. Penalties for non-compliance with crew staffing and safety requirements range from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on the number of previous violations. The bill will take effect 180 days after its enactment, giving railroads time to implement the new regulations.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1191