BILL NUMBER: S5516
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the railroad law, in relation to requiring railroad
corporations to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection when a freight
train is parked in a train yard prior to traveling on tracks within the
state
 
PURPOSE:
Requires railroad corporations to conduct a comprehensive safety
inspection when a freight train is parked in a train yard prior to trav-
eling on tracks within the state.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the railroad law by adding a new section 72-a, to
require that every railroad corporation which operates any freight train
within the state shall conduct a comprehensive safety inspection when a
freight train is parked in a train yard prior to traveling on tracks
within the state. Such safety inspection shall include, but not be
limited to, a review of tracks, safety equipment, including brakes, and
train cars. Section one establishes that every railroad corporation
which operates any freight train within the state shall have a minimum
of two safety inspectors on either side of a freight train as it leaves
a rail yard to observe for safety issues.
Section 2. Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The East Palestine train derailment has highlighted the importance of
implementing stricter regulations and oversight of our rail systems.
This legislation requires every railroad corporation which operates a
freight train within the state to conduct a comprehensive safety
inspection when a freight train is parked in a train yard prior to trav-
eling on tracks and requires corporations to have a minimum of two safe-
ty inspectors on either side of a train as it leaves a rail yard to
observe for safety issues. The State has a responsibility to protect
residents and localities from a potentially life-threatening incident.
The enactment of this legislation will play an essential role in
protecting the public as well as rail employees within the State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S.6923 - Referred to Transportation.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
On the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective imme-
diately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation
necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are
authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.