This bill amends the Railroad Code of 1993 by adding new sections that establish regulations for the installation and operation of wayside detector systems along railroad tracks in Michigan. It defines key terms such as "Class I carrier," "Class II carrier," and "Class III carrier," as well as what constitutes a "defect" in railroad equipment. The bill mandates that the Office of Rail work with railroads to ensure that these systems are properly installed, maintained, and operational, and that they meet federal safety standards. It also outlines the responsibilities of railroads in responding to defect alerts and the consequences for non-compliance, including investigations and reporting to the Federal Railroad Administration.

Additionally, the bill specifies the maximum distances between wayside detector systems based on the class of the railroad and allows for some flexibility in placement due to natural terrain. It requires immediate notification of train operators if a defect is detected and exempts certain low-speed tracks from these regulations. Finally, the Office of Rail is tasked with completing a report on train derailments related to bearing or axle failures by December 31, 2028, using data from the Federal Railroad Administration, and sharing the findings with key state leaders.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-2): 462.101, 462.451
Senate Introduced Bill: 462.101, 462.451