The bill amends Section 327C.37 of the Iowa Code to establish new protocols for investigating train accidents that result in personal injury or death. It mandates that railway corporations must immediately notify the department of any such accidents. The department is authorized to conduct investigations and report findings to the governor, detailing the extent of injuries and fatalities, as well as any potential mismanagement or neglect by the railway corporation. Notably, the report generated by the department is exempt from open records laws and cannot be used as evidence in court.

Additionally, the bill introduces confidentiality measures for the personal information of train crew members who die in accidents, prohibiting its release to the public. Access to unredacted reports containing this personal information is restricted to specific entities, including the railway corporation involved, authorized individuals by court order, and law enforcement officers for official duties. Violations of these provisions are classified as schedule one penalties, incurring a fine of $100 per violation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 327C.37