The proposed 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" within Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 12. The bill mandates that defect detectors be equipped with specific technologies, such as hot box detectors and dragging equipment detectors, and outlines the necessary procedures for reporting defects and discrepancies in axle counts. Additionally, it requires that information regarding defect detectors be published and made accessible to operating crews, ensuring they are informed of their responsibilities when a defect is detected.

Furthermore, the bill imposes 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 harm. It also stipulates that railroad corporations must comply with the new requirements within twelve months of the bill's enactment. The intent of the legislation is to mitigate risks associated with railroad operations, particularly in light of recent derailments, and to protect public safety and commerce in Arkansas.