This bill establishes a new requirement for railroad trains operating in Oklahoma, mandating that all trains carrying freight must have at least two certified crew members on board while in motion. The bill defines "certified crew member" as an employee involved in the operation of the train, specifically excluding hostler service employees, utility employees, or contractors. It also outlines exceptions to this requirement, including trains primarily used for transporting people or tourism, locomotives traveling at low speeds with only a caboose, helper and hostler services, and trains moving at a very slow speed for loading or unloading freight.
Violations of this new requirement will result in penalties, with fines ranging from $250 to $10,000 depending on the number of offenses within a three-year period. The Department of Public Safety is granted the authority to issue citations for these violations. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.