CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming House of Representatives passed a “railroad safety” bill on first reading during their Tuesday, Feb. 25 floor session.
House Bill 079 would require minimum train crews of at least two people.
“No railroad train or light engine used in a class one (1) railroad, as defined by the surface transportation board of the United States or its successor agency, in connection with the movement of freight shall be operated in this state unless the train has a crew of at least two (2) individuals,” reads the proposed legislation.
The bill would also establish penalties for violations of the proposed rules:
- First time offenses: $250-$1,000 fines
- Second time offenses withing three years: $1,000-$5,000 fines
- Third time offenses within three years: $5,000-$10,000 fines
The bill would make two exceptions to the crew requirements. Moving locomotives without rail cars attached within a rail yard would not require the human crews.
The operation of “a helper service that temporarily assists a train that requires additional power” would likewise be exempt from the crew requirements.
Concerned about this or other legislation? An online hotline system allows Wyomingites to have messages delivered to legislators on issues they are concerned with.
