Bill > HB311

This bill requires railroad companies to clear obstructive vegetation from their property within a specified distance of public railroad-highway grade crossings, meaning where roads and train tracks intersect, to improve visibility and safety. Specifically, railroad companies must remove vegetation that is too tall or too close to the tracks and roadway, with some exceptions for private property and situations where terrain or other factors make removal impossible or unnecessary, in which case a railroad can petition the Transportation Cabinet for a waiver. If a railroad company fails to comply after receiving written notice from the Transportation Cabinet or the local government responsible for the road, those entities can remove the vegetation themselves and then seek reimbursement from the railroad company, potentially through legal action if payment is not made. Railroad companies are given until January 1, 2029, to meet these new requirements, which are intended to be the primary standards for vegetation and sight distance at these crossings unless federal law dictates otherwise, and this bill does not change the responsibilities of drivers at these crossings.