Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Zolnikov, at the request of the Public Service Commission, aims to increase penalties for blocked railroad crossings by amending Section 69-14-626 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The bill makes it unlawful for any corporation, association, or company to willfully obstruct public highways where they cross railroad tracks outside of incorporated cities and towns. The amendments clarify the language regarding the prohibition of obstruction and specify that any entity found guilty of such actions will be charged with a misdemeanor and face increased fines, now set at a minimum of $750 and a maximum of $1,500, compared to the previous fines of $25 and $100.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that ensures it does not repeal any existing laws related to the obstruction of public highways. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue of blocked railroad crossings in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 69-14-626
SB0024_1(1): 69-14-626
SB0024_1(2): 69-14-626
SB0024_1(3): 69-14-626
SB0024_1(4): 69-14-626
SB0024_1(5): 69-14-626
SB0024_1: 69-14-626