House Bill No. 3387 introduces new safety standards for certain railroad employees, specifically those whose primary reporting point is in the United Mexican States. The bill mandates that railroads must obtain an occupational permit from the department before employing these "covered rail employees" to perform services in Texas. To secure this permit, railroads must certify that each covered employee complies with the safety standards applicable to U.S.-based railroad employees. The department is required to publish notice of permit applications in the Texas Register and conduct public hearings, allowing for public comment before making a decision.
Additionally, the bill outlines the department's authority to inspect safety training for covered rail employees and access rail facilities where such training occurs. The commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()