The proposed bill amends the Motor Carrier Safety Act to establish specific requirements for motor carriers transporting railroad employees. It defines a "motor carrier of railroad employees" as any entity operating vehicles for this purpose, regardless of vehicle weight. Key provisions include mandates for driver training, criminal background checks, comprehensive record maintenance, and adherence to safety standards. The bill also requires a minimum liability insurance coverage of five million dollars per vehicle and outlines a mandatory alcohol and controlled substance testing program. Additionally, it introduces strict disqualification criteria for drivers based on certain convictions and sets vehicle and equipment requirements, such as the inclusion of safety belts and emergency kits.

Further amendments focus on operational standards, including the requirement for vehicles to display identification markings that are legible from at least fifty feet away and the inclusion of an emergency road kit with specific items. The bill regulates drivers' hours of service, establishing maximum driving hours and on-duty time, with provisions for placing drivers out-of-service for violations. It also mandates compliance with federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2026, aiming to enhance safety and accountability in the transportation of railroad employees.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 65-1-2, 65-3-1, 65-3-3, 65-3-4, 65-3-11, 65-3-14, 66-3-875