House Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes a Montana Rail Inspection Program aimed at enhancing railroad safety through systematic inspections and oversight. The bill amends existing laws to create a Montana Rail Inspection Special Revenue Account, into which 8% of taxes collected from railroad car company property will be deposited. This account will be statutorily appropriated for the development, operation, and improvement of the rail inspection program. The bill also outlines the requirement for the commission to report biennially on the status of rail inspection safety and allows for the adoption of rules to implement the program.

Key amendments include the addition of specific staffing requirements for the rail inspection program, which mandates the employment of three motive power and equipment inspectors, two railroad track inspectors, and one operating practice inspector, along with any additional necessary staff. The bill also clarifies the commission's authority to supervise and inspect railroads, enforce safety regulations, and take civil action for violations of federal safety regulations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-23-215, 17-7-502, 69-14-111
HB0103_1(1): 15-23-215, 17-7-502, 69-14-111
HB0103_1(2): 15-23-215, 17-7-502, 69-14-111
HB0103_1(3): 15-23-215, 17-7-502, 69-14-111
HB0103_1(4): 15-23-215, 17-7-502, 69-14-111
HB0103_1(5): 15-23-215, 17-7-502, 69-14-111
HB0103_1: 15-23-215, 17-7-502, 69-14-111