Bill > H3283

This bill establishes new regulations for "motor carriers of railroad employees," which are defined as companies that transport railroad employees for hire. The bill mandates that these carriers implement comprehensive annual training for their drivers covering safe vehicle operation, traffic laws, emergency procedures, seat belt use, vehicle inspections, and record-keeping. Additionally, carriers must conduct background checks and annually verify driver's licenses, maintain at least $5,000,000 in liability insurance and $1,000,000 in uninsured/underinsured coverage, and document compliance with these requirements. Drivers must possess a valid license, pass a physical exam, and adhere to an alcohol and controlled substance testing program, including pre-employment, post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up tests. The bill also sets limits on driving and on-duty time, generally allowing for a maximum of 10 hours of driving after 8 consecutive hours off-duty, or 15 hours of combined on-duty and drive time, with a total of 70 hours of on-duty and drive time in any 8 consecutive days, though exceptions are made for emergencies. Carriers must keep accurate records of driver duty and driving times for at least six months.