The bill aims to enhance the safety and regulation of railroad operations in Arkansas by establishing standard requirements for railroad train defect detectors and trending defect detector technology. It introduces a new subchapter titled "Train Defect Detector Safety" to the Arkansas Code, which includes definitions of key terms such as "defect detector," "railroad," and "trending defect detector technology." The legislation mandates that defect detectors be equipped with specific technologies, including hot box and hot wheel detectors, and outlines the necessary procedures for responding to detected defects. Additionally, it requires that information regarding defect detectors be published and made accessible to operating crews.

Furthermore, the bill establishes civil penalties for violations of these regulations, with fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per day for ongoing violations, and a one-time penalty of $500,000 for gross negligence or repeated violations that result in imminent hazards or injuries. It also includes provisions for reporting discrepancies in axle counts detected by defect detectors and mandates that railroad corporations ensure compliance with the new requirements within twelve months of the act's effective date. Overall, the legislation seeks to mitigate risks associated with railroad operations and enhance public safety.