The bill amends the jurisdiction of the State Highway Commission regarding railroad crossing safety and the operation of railroad trains in Arkansas. It establishes the Commission as the sole public body responsible for administering the railroad crossing safety program and grants it exclusive jurisdiction over the location, construction, improvement, protection of railroad crossings, and the operation and movement of railroad trains. The bill emphasizes the need for uniformity in maintaining railroad crossings and train operations to ensure public safety.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subchapter that regulates the maximum length of railroad trains operating on main and branch lines, setting a limit of 8,500 feet. It outlines penalties for violations of this length restriction, including administrative fines based on the extent of the violation and potential penalties for incidents resulting in injury or death. The bill also includes provisions for negotiating penalties and specifies that collected fines will be allocated for highway and infrastructure projects. An emergency clause is included, highlighting the urgency of maintaining safe railroad practices for public safety and commerce efficiency.

Statutes affected:
HB 1837: 23-12-1002