The Pennsylvania rail regulation bill has moved forward in Harrisburg, putting a new set of freight-rail operating limits in front of lawmakers — including how long trains can block crossings and how long freight trains may be.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Pennsylvania rail regulation bill HB 1191 advances
Pennsylvania rail regulation bill HB 1191 advances

Committee vote on HB 1191

According to Trains, House Bill 1191 — sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie (D-Beaver, Pa.) — cleared the House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee on Tuesday (Dec. 16) on a 23–3 vote. The bill lists 24 co-sponsors: 23 Democrats and Republican Louis Schmitt of Altoona, with the latest actions shown in the official bill history.

What the Pennsylvania rail regulation bill would require?

If enacted, the Pennsylvania rail regulation bill would set a freight train length limit and require two-person crews on Class I railroads. It would also impose a $10,000 penalty when trains have blocked grade crossings for more than five minutes, tying enforcement to a specific time threshold.

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The measure also lays out wayside detector rules. In addition, it calls for a study of state and federal requirements governing hazardous materials shipments, followed by a report recommending ways to strengthen those rules. It would also require a system for reporting rail transportation of those hazardous materials.

Safety monitoring and earlier legislative history

Another provision in HB 1191 would allow union members to “monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad,” and to participate in safety inspections or investigations conducted by the state.

Matzie advanced similar legislation in the 2023–24 session. That earlier bill, HB 1028, passed the House by a 141–62 vote, but later died in a Senate committee.

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