summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Illinois Railway Safety Act of 2026. Requires a locomotive engineer to be present in the locomotive cab of every train operating on a line and to be capable of taking control of the operation of the train in the event of a safety issue occurring. Requires a locomotive engineer to take full control of the train when a safety issue occurs in order to mitigate the safety issue and any safety risks. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to work with each railroad company to ensure that wayside detector systems are installed and operating along railroad tracks on which the railroad operates and to ensure that specified standards are met. Sets forth investigation and reporting requirements for the Commission and the Department of Transportation if a railroad company refuses to work or otherwise cooperate with the Commission. Sets forth wayside detector system installation distance requirements, waivers, and exemptions. Provides that when a wayside detector system detects a defect, if the message regarding the defect is not immediately sent to the operator, the person that receives the message shall immediately notify the operator of the defect. Requires visual inspections not less than twice a week for all main track designated within the State for operation at class III carrier speeds or higher. Allows the Commission to enforce the Act, which may include civil penalties for a violation of the Act. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that if a driver is involved in a collision at a grade crossing resulting in the injury or fatality of a railway worker, that driver shall have the driver's driving privileges suspended for a period of not less than 6 months up to revocation. Prohibits a railroad from operating on any main line or any other line any train which exceeds 8,500 feet in length.
AI Summary
This bill, the Illinois Railway Safety Act of 2026, mandates that a locomotive engineer, a certified individual proficient in train operation, must be present in the locomotive cab of every train and capable of taking control during any safety issue, which is defined as any condition or event posing a risk to safe operation. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), or "Commission," is tasked with ensuring that railroads install and maintain "wayside detector systems"—electronic devices that scan trains for defects like hot wheels or dragging equipment—along their tracks, with specific distance requirements between these systems based on the carrier's size (Class I, II, or III). If a wayside detector system detects a defect and the alert isn't immediately sent to the operator, the person receiving the message must promptly notify the operator. The bill also requires visual inspections of main tracks, which are primary railroad lines, at least twice a week for trains operating at higher speeds, and allows the Commission to impose civil penalties for violations. Furthermore, it amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to suspend a driver's license for at least six months, up to revocation, if they are involved in a grade crossing collision that injures or kills a railway worker. Finally, the bill prohibits railroads from operating trains longer than 8,500 feet on any main line or other line within the state.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/06/2026)
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