S.B. No. 2129 amends Section 545.251(f) of the Transportation Code regarding the penalties for offenses related to the operation of vehicles at railroad grade crossings. The bill increases the fines for such offenses, establishing a base penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $400 if it is proven that the operator disregarded a warning given by a flagger. Previously, the fines ranged from $50 to $200, indicating a significant increase in penalties for violations involving flagger warnings.

The new law will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses that occur before this date will still be governed by the previous law, ensuring that individuals are not penalized under the new regulations for actions taken prior to the law's enactment. This change aims to enhance safety at railroad crossings by imposing stricter penalties for non-compliance with flagger warnings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 545.251 (Transportation Code 545)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 545.251 (Transportation Code 545)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 545.251 (Transportation Code 545)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 545.251 (Transportation Code 545)