Raised Bill No. 280, introduced in the General Assembly and referred to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION, addresses two main issues: train crew size requirements and the installation of hotbox detectors. The bill stipulates that Class I and Class II freight railroads operating in the state must have a minimum crew of two persons on any train or locomotive, with exceptions for trains engaged in helper services or hostling services. Violations of this requirement will result in fines ranging from $250 to $10,000, depending on the number of offenses.

Additionally, the bill mandates the installation of hotbox detectors, which are devices used to monitor the temperature of railcar components to detect potential problems. These detectors must be installed every twenty miles along rail tracks where passenger trains operate. The installation is required for all new construction projects starting on or after October 1, 2024, and must be completed on existing rail lines by October 1, 2025. The purpose of the bill is to establish minimum crew size requirements for freight railroads and to enhance safety by requiring hotbox detectors on rail lines used by passenger trains. The bill's provisions are set to become effective on October 1, 2024.