Second Regular Session Seventy-fourth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO REVISED This Version Includes All Amendments Adopted on Second Reading in the Second House LLS NO. 24-0247.01 Richard Sweetman x4333 HOUSE BILL 24-1030 House Committees Senate Committees Transportation, Housing & Local Government Transportation & Energy Appropriations Appropriations A BILL FOR AN ACT C ONCERNING RAILROAD SAFETY , AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ,101 REQUIRING CERTAIN RAILROADS TO USE WAYSIDE DETECTOR 102 SYSTEMS, OPERATE TRAINS IN A MANNER THAT MINIMIZES THE103 OBSTRUCTION OF EMERGENCY VEHICLES AT HIGHWAY -RAIL104 CROSSINGS, AND, WHEN NECESSARY TO ALLOW AN EMERGENCY105 VEHICLE TO PASS, SEPARATE A TRAIN; AUTHORIZING A CREW106 MEMBER'S DESIGNATED UNION REPRESENTATIVE TO107 INVESTIGATE CERTAIN REPORTED INCIDENTS ; AUTHORIZING THE108 PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO IMPOSE FINES FOR CERTAIN109 VIOLATIONS; REQUIRING FINE REVENUE TO BE PAID TO THE110 TRANSIT AND RAIL DIVISION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF111 TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAINTAINING AND112 IMPROVING THE SAFETY OF A PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEM;113 SENATE Amended 2nd Reading May 6, 2024 HOUSE 3rd Reading Unamended April 5, 2024 HOUSE Amended 2nd Reading April 3, 2024 HOUSE SPONSORSHIP Mabrey and Mauro, Epps, Boesenecker, Froelich, Lindsay, Parenti, Vigil, Amabile, Bacon, Bird, Brown, Daugherty, Duran, Epps, Garcia, Hamrick, Hernandez, Herod, Joseph, Kipp, Lieder, Lindstedt, Martinez, Marvin, McCormick, Ortiz, Ricks, Rutinel, Sirota, Snyder, Story, Titone, Weissman, Willford, Woodrow, Young SENATE SPONSORSHIP Cutter and Exum, Jaquez Lewis, Priola, Winter F. Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment. Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law. Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. CREATING THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY ; CREATING THE101 COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ; CREATING102 THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ; AND103 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION .104 Bill Summary (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov/ .) Transportation Legislation Review Committee. The bill imposes safety requirements on railroads operating trains in the state. The bill specifies that: ! The length of a train must not exceed 8,500 feet; ! With certain exceptions, railroads must operate, maintain, and report the location of wayside detector systems. A wayside detector is an electronic device or a series of devices that monitors passing trains for defects. ! A train may not obstruct a public crossing for longer than 10 minutes unless the train is continuously moving or is prevented from moving by circumstances beyond the railroad's control; ! Any crew member of a train may report to the crew member's designated union representative a safety violation, injury, or death that occurred during the operation of a train. After receiving a report of a violation, a designated union representative may enter a railroad's place of operation to investigate the report during reasonable hours and after notifying the railroad. ! The public utilities commission (PUC) may impose fines for the violation of these safety requirements or for denying a union representative's access to the railroad's place of operation. The bill requires the PUC to develop guidelines for determining, imposing, and appealing fines. The bill also creates the front range passenger rail district maintenance and safety fund (fund), which consists of money collected as fines imposed by the PUC. The fund is continuously appropriated to the state treasurer for the purpose of issuing warrants from the fund to the front range passenger rail district for safety planning and development during the research, development, and construction of a passenger rail 1030-2- system; maintaining a passenger rail system; and completing capital development projects to improve the safety of a passenger rail system. The bill requires that on or before July 1, 2025, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, each railroad offer training to each fire department having jurisdiction along tracks upon which the railroad operates in the state. The bill requires railroads that transport hazardous material in Colorado to maintain insurance coverage that is adequate to cover costs and liabilities resulting from accidents. The PUC is required to promulgate rules establishing minimum coverage amounts. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1 SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 3 to article2 20 of title 40 as follows:3 PART 34 RAILROAD SAFETY5 40-20-301. Legislative declaration. (1) T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY6 FINDS, DETERMINES, AND DECLARES THAT:7 (a) R AILROAD TRANSPORTATION IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF8 C OLORADO'S ECONOMY AND PROVIDES EFFICIENT AND COST -EFFECTIVE9 MOVEMENT OF GOODS ACROSS THE STATE AND BEYOND ;10 (b) P ROTECTING COLORADO'S RESIDENTS, ECOSYSTEMS, AND11 INFRASTRUCTURE FROM EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CARRIED12 BY TRAINS IS A TOP PRIORITY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ;13 (c) T RAINS EMIT FEWER GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS THAN OTHER14 MODES OF TRANSPORTATION, INCLUDING TRUCK TRACTORS, TRAILERS, OR15 SEMITRAILERS, THEREBY MAKING TRAINS A DESIRABLE16 CLIMATE-CONSCIOUS OPTION FOR TRANSPORTING LARGE VOLUMES OF17 WEIGHT AND FOR FREIGHT MOVEMENT ;18 (d) C OLORADO'S FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS, WEATHER EXTREMES ,19 EXTENSIVE NUMBER OF HARD-TO-MAINTAIN RAILROAD TRACK MILES, AND20 1030-3- NUMBER OF COMMUNITIES THROUGH WHICH RAILROADS OPERATE1 NECESSITATE THAT THE STATE TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TO PREVENT AND2 MITIGATE POTENTIAL HARM TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND COLORADO3 RESIDENTS FROM DERAILMENTS AND OTHER ACCIDENTS ;4 (e) R AILROAD TRACKS FREQUENTLY BISECT COMMUNITIES WITH5 POPULATIONS OF BLACK PEOPLE, INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, AND OTHER PEOPLE6 OF COLOR AND LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES ACROSS COLORADO, MEANING7 THAT ANY DERAILMENT WILL LIKELY DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACT THOSE8 COMMUNITIES, WHICH NECESSITATES THAT COLORADO TAKE EXTRA9 PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT DERAILMENTS ;10 (f) T HE FREQUENCY OF TRAIN ACCIDENTS INVOLVING HAZARDOUS11 MATERIALS HAS INCREASED IN THE LAST TWENTY YEARS . BEGINNING IN12 1990, RAILROADS STARTED LOBBYING FOR LESS REGULATION OF THE13 TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS , AND A REDUCTION IN14 REGULATION RESULTED IN A GREATER NUMBER OF DERAILMENTS . WHEN15 RAILROADS IMPLEMENTED PRECISION SCHEDULING TO INCREASE PROFITS16 BEGINNING IN 2010, THE NUMBER OF DERAILMENTS INVOLVING17 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY .18 (g) T HE SAFE AND EFFICIENT OPERATION OF RAILROADS REQUIRES19 SEVERAL FACTORS, INCLUDING REGULARLY MAINTAINING RAILROAD20 TRACKS AND ROLLING STOCK , APPROPRIATELY USING TECHNOLOGY TO21 DETECT AND ADDRESS MECHANICAL AND OTHER ISSUES , EMPLOYING22 EXPERIENCED AND WELL-PAID WORKERS WITH CRITICAL SKILL SETS TO23 RECOGNIZE AND AVOID ACCIDENTS , AND LIMITING THE NUMBER OF CARS24 THAT TRAINS CARRY TO ENSURE THAT TRAINS HAVE REASONABLE25 LENGTHS.26 27 1030 -4- (2) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS , DETERMINES, AND1 DECLARES THAT:2 (a) R AILROADS UTILIZE NUMEROUS FORMS OF AVAILABLE3 TECHNOLOGY TO DETECT AND PREVENT VARIOUS EQUIPMENT FAILURES ,4 INCLUDING INSTALLING WAYSIDE DETECTOR SYSTEMS ADJACENT TO A5 MAIN LINE;6 (b) T WO OF THE MOST COMMON WAYSIDE DETECTOR7 TECHNOLOGIES THAT RAILROADS CURRENTLY USE ARE HOT BEARING8 DETECTORS THAT USE INFRARED SENSORS TO MEASURE THE9 TEMPERATURES OF BEARINGS ON PASSING TRAINS AND DRAGGING10 EQUIPMENT DETECTORS THAT DETECT OBJECTS DRAGGING ALONG A11 TRACK;12 (c) U SING HOT BEARING DETECTORS AND DRAGGING EQUIPMENT13 DETECTORS AT REGULAR INTERVALS ALONG A RAILROAD TRACK CAN14 REDUCE THE RISK OF DERAILMENTS , ACCIDENTS, AND OTHER INCIDENTS15 AND PROMOTE THE SAFE AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF GOODS ACROSS16 THE STATE;17 (d) T HESE WAYSIDE DETECTOR SYSTEMS ARE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ,18 PREVENTIVE TOOLS THAT CAN ALERT RAILROAD CREWS TO PROBLEMS SO19 THEY CAN TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS OR20 DERAILMENTS;21 (e) T HE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS BUT22 DOES NOT REQUIRE THE PLACEMENT OF HOT BEARING DETECTORS AT23 INTERVALS OF FORTY MILES, WHILE RAILROAD EXPERTS NATIONWIDE HAVE24 CALLED FOR SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER QUANTITY AND DENSITY OF HOT25 BEARING DETECTORS;26 (f) T HE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION ALSO RECOMMENDS27 1030 -5- BUT DOES NOT REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF DRAGGING EQUIPMENT1 DETECTORS AT INTERVALS OF NO MORE THAN TWENTY -FIVE MILES ON2 RAILROAD TRACKS ON WHICH TRAINS OPERATE AT SPEEDS OF SIXTY MILES3 PER HOUR OR MORE, WHILE RAILROAD EXPERTS NATIONWIDE HAVE CALLED4 FOR SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER QUANTITY AND DENSITY OF DRAGGING5 EQUIPMENT DETECTORS;6 (g) T HE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 'S RECOMMENDED7 SPACING DISTANCES DO NOT CONSIDER THE UNIQUE AND CHALLENGING8 DYNAMICS OF OPERATING RAILROADS SAFELY IN COLORADO, DO NOT9 ADEQUATELY PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND DERAILMENTS , AND DO NOT10 PROACTIVELY PROTECT COLORADO'S RESIDENTS, COMMUNITIES, AND11 ENVIRONMENT FROM HARM ;12 (h) R AILROADS ARE NOT CURRENTLY REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE13 WHERE WAYSIDE DETECTORS ARE INSTALLED OR WHETHER THE14 DETECTORS ARE OPERATIONAL , NOR ARE THEY REQUIRED TO CONSIDER15 VARIABLE TRACK CONDITIONS IN THE PLACEMENT OF DETECTORS .16 W ITHOUT THIS INFORMATION, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY , THE PUBLIC17 UTILITIES COMMISSION, AND THE PUBLIC ARE FORCED TO RELY ONLY ON18 THE ASSERTIONS OF RAILROADS THAT THEY ARE ADEQUATELY19 MONITORING TRACKS AND TRAINS FOR PROBLEMS .20 (i) R ECENT DERAILMENTS AND ACCIDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY21 HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THAT RAILROADS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY MONITORING22 FOR PROBLEMS OR TAKING PREVENTIVE ACTION , THAT SEVERE INJURY TO23 INDIVIDUALS AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND24 INFRASTRUCTURE ARE PREVENTABLE AND UNNECESSARY , AND THAT THE25 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MUST TAKE ACTION ;26 (j) T RANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN RAILROAD27 1030 -6- OPERATIONS ARE CRITICAL TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF COLORADO'S1 RESIDENTS, PROTECT INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT , AND2 PROMOTE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE STATE'S ECONOMY, AND IT3 IS NECESSARY TO REQUIRE RAILROAD COMPANIES TO ANNUALLY REPORT4 THE LOCATIONS OF INSTALLED WAYSIDE DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND TRAIN5 LENGTH TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION ; AND6 (k) A BSENT A COLORADO-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION FROM THE7 FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION CONCERNING THE PLACEMENT OF8 WAYWARD DETECTOR SYSTEMS , AND WITH NO RECOMMENDATION9 PENDING IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEFERS TO10 THE EXPERT ADVICE OF RAILROAD OPERATORS .11 (3) THEREFORE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY ENACTS THIS12 PART 3 TO:13 (a) P ROMOTE TRANSPARENCY , ACCOUNTABILITY, AND SAFETY IN14 RAILROAD OPERATIONS IN THE STATE;15 (b) L IMIT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS;16 (c) R EDUCE THE RISK OF ACCIDENTS, DERAILMENTS, AND OTHER17 INCIDENTS ASSOCIATED WITH RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION ; AND18 (d) P ROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL -BEING OF COLORADO'S19 RESIDENTS AND ECOSYSTEMS .20 40-20-302. Definitions. A S USED IN THIS PART 3, UNLESS THE21 CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :22 (1) "A CCIDENT" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN 49 CFR 225.5.23 (2) "C LASS I RAILROAD" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN 49 24 U.S.C. SEC. 20102 (1). 25 (3) "CLASS II RAILROAD" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN 4926 U.S.C. SEC. 20102 (1).27 1030 -7- (4) "CLASS III RAILROAD" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN 491 U.S.C. SEC. 20102 (1).2 (5) "C OMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE " MEANS THE 3 COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE " CREATED IN SECTION4 40-20-312.5 6 (6) "DEFECT" INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, HOT WHEEL7 BEARINGS, HOT WHEELS, DEFICIENT BEARINGS DETECTED THROUGH8 ACOUSTIC MEANS, DRAGGING OF EQUIPMENT , EXCESSIVE HEIGHT,9 EXCESSIVE WEIGHT, A SHIFTED LOAD, A LOOSE HOSE, IMPROPER RAIL10 TEMPERATURE, OR A DEFICIENT WHEEL CONDITION.11 (7) "D ISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITY " HAS THE 12 MEANING SET FORTH IN SECTION 24-4-109 (2)(b)(II).13 (8) "DRAGGING EQUIPMENT DETECTOR " MEANS AN ELECTRONIC14 DEVICE OR OTHER TECHNOLOGY THAT MONITORS A PASSING TRAIN TO15 ACTIVELY DETECT AND ALERT OPERATORS OF THE TRAIN OF THE16 EXISTENCE OF ANY OBJECTS DRAGGING FROM THE TRAIN .17 (9) "FUND" MEANS THE RAIL DISTRICT MAINTENANCE AND18 SAFETY FUND CREATED IN SECTION 40-20-309.19 (10) "HAZARDOUS MATERIAL" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN 4920 CFR 171.8.21 (11) "HIGHWAY-RAIL CROSSING" MEANS:22 (a) T HE POINT AT WHICH ANY PUBLIC HIGHWAY IS OR WILL BE23 CONSTRUCTED ACROSS THE TRACKS OR OTHER FACILITIES OF A RAILROAD24 AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE;25 (b) T HE POINT AT WHICH THE TRACKS OR OTHER FACILITIES OF A26 RAILROAD ARE OR MAY BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS ANY PUBLIC HIGHWAY27 1030 -8- AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE;1 (c) T HE POINT AT WHICH ANY PUBLIC PATHWAY IS OR WILL BE2 CONSTRUCTED ACROSS PRIVATE TRACKS ON WHICH ANY RAILROAD MAY3 OPERATE AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE; OR4 (d) T HE POINT AT WHICH PRIVATE TRACKS OVER WHICH ANY5 RAILROAD MAY OPERATE ARE OR WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS ANY6 PUBLIC PATHWAY AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE.7 (12) "HOT BEARINGS DETECTOR" MEANS AN INFRARED DETECTOR8 LOCATED ALONG RAILROAD TRACKS TO DETECT AND ALERT THE9 OPERATORS OF A PASSING TRAIN TO ANY OVERHEATING OF A TRAIN 'S10 BEARINGS, AXLES, OR WHEELS.11 (13) "INCIDENT" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN 49 CFR 225.5.12 (14) "MAIN LINE" MEANS A SEGMENT OR ROUTE OF RAILROAD13 TRACKS OF ANY RAILROAD OVER WHICH FIVE MILLION OR MORE GROSS14 TONS OF RAILROAD TRAFFIC IS TRANSPORTED ANNUALLY AS DOCUMENTED15 IN TIMETABLES FILED WITH THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION16 PURSUANT TO 49 CFR 217.7. "MAIN LINE" DOES NOT INCLUDE TOURIST,17 SCENIC, HISTORIC, OR EXCURSION OPERATIONS AS DEFINED IN 49 CFR18 238.5.19 (15) "PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEM" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN20 SECTION 32-22-102 (9).21 (16) "PATHWAY CROSSING" MEANS:22 (a) T HE POINT AT WHICH ANY PUBLIC PATHWAY IS OR WILL BE23 CONSTRUCTED ACROSS THE TRACKS OR OTHER FACILITIES OF A RAILROAD24 AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE;25 (b) T HE POINT AT WHICH ANY TRACKS OR OTHER FACILITIES OF A26 RAILROAD ARE OR WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS ANY PUBLIC PATHWAY27 1030 -9- AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE;1 (c) T HE POINT AT WHICH ANY PUBLIC PATHWAY IS OR WILL BE2 CONSTRUCTED ACROSS PRIVATE TRACKS OVER WHICH ANY RAILR OAD MAY3 OPERATE AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE; OR4 (d) T HE POINT AT WHICH PRIVATE TRACKS OVER WHICH ANY5 RAILROAD MAY OPERATE ARE OR WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS ANY6 PUBLIC PATHWAY AT, ABOVE, OR BELOW GRADE.7 (17) "PUBLIC CROSSING" MEANS A HIGHWAY-RAIL CROSSING OR8 PATHWAY CROSSING WHERE THE HIGHWAY OR PATHWAY ON BOTH SIDES9 OF THE CROSSING IS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF OR IS MAINTAINED BY A10 STATE OR LOCAL ROAD AUTHORITY AND IS OPEN TO PUBLIC TRAVEL .11 (18) "PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION" OR "COMMISSION" MEANS12 THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION CREATED IN SECTION 40-2-101.13 (19) "R AIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE " MEANS THE 14 RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREATED IN SECTION15 40-20-313.16 (20) "RAILROAD" MEANS A PERSON PROVIDING RAILROAD17 TRANSPORTATION.18 (21) "RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION " MEANS ANY FORM OF19 NONHIGHWAY GROUND TRANSPORTATION THAT RUNS ON RAILS OR20 ELECTROMAGNETIC GUIDEWAYS . "RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION" DOES NOT21 INCLUDE RAPID TRANSIT OPERATIONS, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, RAIL22 FIXED GUIDEWAY OPERATIONS , OR COMMUTER PASSENGER RAIL THAT :23 (a) IS IN AN URBAN OR A SUBURBAN AREA ; AND24 (b) IS NOT CONNECTED TO A GENERAL OR AN INTERSTATE25 RAILROAD SYSTEM.26 (22) "SIDING" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN 49 CFR 218.93.27 1030 -10- (23) "TRAIN" MEANS A LOCOMOTIVE UNIT OR LOCOMOTIVE UNITS ,1 WITH OR WITHOUT CARS, THAT REQUIRE AN AIR BRAKE TEST PURSUANT TO2 49 CFR 232 AND 49 CFR 238.3 (24) "WAYSIDE DETECTOR" MEANS AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE OR A4 SERIES OF CONNECTED DEVICES THAT MONITORS A PASSING TRAIN TO5 DETERMINE WHETHER THE TRAIN HAS A DEFECT , INCLUDING A HOT6 BEARINGS DETECTOR AND A DRAGGING EQUIPMENT DETECTOR .7 8 40-20-303. Wayside detector systems - obstructions at public9 crossings - reports. (1) O N OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2025, AND ON OR 10 BEFORE JANUARY 1 OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, A RAILROAD OPERATING11 ANY MAIN LINE IN THE STATE SHALL SUBMIT TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES12 COMMISSION A PUBLIC REPORT THAT DISCLOSES , AT A MINIMUM, THE13 FOLLOWING INFORMATION :14 (a) A N OVERVIEW OF THE TYPES OF, GENERAL LOCATIONS OF, AND 15 SPACING BETWEEN WAYSIDE DETECTORS ON MAIN LINES IN COLORADO;16 (b) A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE WAYSIDE DETECTOR 17 SYSTEM PROMOTES SAFETY, INCLUDING PLANS TO ADJUST OR IMPROVE THE18 WAYSIDE DETECTOR SYSTEM OR REVIEW WAYSIDE D ETECTOR19 TECHNOLOGY;20 (c) A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS BY WHICH DEFECTS 21 OR OTHER DETECTIONS ARE MANAGED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE NOTICE TO22 TRAIN OPERATORS AND OTHERS ; AND23 (d) T HE PERCENTAGE OF TIME THAT EACH TYPE OF WAYSIDE 24 DETECTOR WAS OPERATIONAL FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR .25 (2) (a) E XCEPT FOR TRAINS OR EQUIPMENT STOPPED DUE TO 26 MECHANICAL FAILURE WHERE SEPARATION OR MOVEMENT IS NOT27 1030 -11- POSSIBLE, THE STATE EXPECTS THAT ANY TRAIN OR EQUIPMENT1 OPERATING ON A MAIN LINE OR SIDING IN THE STATE SHOULD BE OPERATED2 IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO MINIMIZE OBSTRUCTION OF EMERGENCY3 VEHICLES AT HIGHWAY-RAIL CROSSINGS. UPON THE APPROACH OF AN4 EMERGENCY VEHICLE TO ANY BLOCKED CROSSING , AN EMERGENCY5 VEHICLE MAY GIVE WARNING OF ITS APPROACH BY THE SOUNDING OF6 SIRENS, FLASHING OF LIGHTS, WAVING OF A FLAG, OR ANY OTHER WARNING7 SUFFICIENT TO ATTRACT ATTENTION TO THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE TO8 ALLOW THE TRAIN CREW TO SEPARATE THE TRAIN OR EQUIPMENT AND9 CLEAR THE CROSSING WITH ALL POSSIBLE DISPATCH TO PERMIT THE10 EMERGENCY VEHICLE TO PASS. IF A BLOCKED CROSSING IS NOT CLEARED,11 THE ENTITY OPERATING THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE OR THE DEPARTMENT12 OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL REQUEST THAT THE RAILROAD IMMEDIATELY13 TAKE ANY ACTION, CONSISTENT WITH SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES ,14 NECESSARY TO CLEAR THE HIGHWAY -RAIL CROSSING.15 (b) T HE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL , AND OTHER 16 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATORS MAY , REPORT TO THE OFFICE OF RAIL17 SAFETY THE DETAILS OF ANY EVENT IN WHICH AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE18 WAS STOPPED OR DELAYED BY A TRAIN BLOCKING A HIGHWAY -RAIL19 CROSSING, ANY REQUEST THAT WAS MADE TO CLEAR THE CROSSING , THE20 RESOLUTION OF ANY SUCH REQUEST , AND ANY EFFECTS THAT THE DELAY21 OF THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE HAD ON THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE .22 (c) A S USED IN THIS SUBSECTION (2), "EMERGENCY VEHICLE" 23 MEANS:24 (I) AN AMBULANCE OPERATED BY A PUBLIC AUTHORITY OR BY A25 PRIVATE PERSON;26 (II) A POLICE VEHICLE; 27 1030 -12- (III) A FIRE ENGINE;1 (IV) A VEHICLE OPERATED BY A POWER COMPANY , ELECTRIC2 COMPANY, OR OTHER PUBLIC UTILITY;3 (V) A VEHICLE USED FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES BY THE FEDERAL4 GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES; OR5 (VI) ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT IS BEING OPERATED FOR THE6 PURPOSE OF SAVING LIFE OR PROPERTY OR RESPONDING TO ANY PUBLIC7 PERIL.8 40-20-304. Emergency operations. (1) S TATE EMERGENCY 9 RESPONSE AUTHORITIES MAY RECOMMEND ACTIONS NECESSARY TO10 PROTECT RAILROADS, RAIL WORKERS, AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE EVENT11 OF AN EMERGENCY SUCH AS WILDFIRE , FLOOD, EARTH MOVEMENT, OR12 CIVIL DISORDER, INCLUDING STOPPING OR REROUTING RAIL TRAFFIC IF13 DEEMED NECESSARY.14 (2) A RAILROAD SHALL RESPOND TO A STATE EMERGENCY 15 RESPONSE AUTHORITY PROMPTLY AND WORK CLOSELY WITH STATE AND16 LOCAL OFFICIALS DURING EMERGENCIES TO COORDINATE RESPONSE17 EFFORTS AND ENSURE THE SAFETY OF RAIL PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC .18 40-20-305. Incident response requirements. (1) (a) A RAILROAD 19 OPERATING IN COLORADO THAT ACCOMM ODATES HIGH -HAZARD20 FLAMMABLE TRAINS OR HIGH-HAZARD HIGH-CONSEQUENCE HAZARDOUS21 MATERIAL SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY22 REGARDING EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND SPILL RESPONSE CAPACITY AND23 PLANNING. THE RAILROAD AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY24 SHALL COORDINATE REGARDING THE ADEQUACY OF CACHES OF25 EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AND AVAILABLE STAFF TO MITIGATE ALL HAZARDS26 LIKELY WITHIN THE AREA COVERED BY EACH CACHE , INCLUDING27 1030 -13- CONSIDERATION OF:1 (I) F IRE SUPPRESSION FOAM AND FOAM SYSTEMS ; 2 (II) A BSORBENT MATERIALS AND CONTAINMENT BOOMS ; 3 (III) S PECIALIZED LEAK MITIGATION AND REPAIR KITS ; 4 (IV) C HEMICAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ; 5 (V) P ERSONNEL DECONTAMINATION SUPPLIES ; 6 (VI) I NTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT ; AND 7 (VII) R ESPONSE TIMES. 8 (b) A RAILROAD SHALL ENSURE THAT LOCAL AND STATE FIRST 9 RESPONDERS HAVE ACCESS TO THE CACHED EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO10 RESPOND TO RAIL INCIDENTS.11 (c) R ESOURCES DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBSECTION (1) MAY BE 12 MAINTAINED:13 (I) A S PARTNERSHIPS WITH FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY, OR LOCAL 14 AGENCIES, INCLUDING LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND POLICE15 DEPARTMENTS; OR16 (II) P URSUANT TO CONTRACTS WITH OTHER RAILROADS OR 17 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ENTITIES .18 (2) N OTHING IN THIS SECTION CREATES ANY DUTY FOR A LOCAL 19 GOVERNMENT; EXCEPT THAT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAY AGREE TO20 ASSUME DUTIES DELEGATED TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BY A RAILROAD .21 (3) A RAILROAD MAY PARTNER WITH ONE OR MORE COUNTIES OR 22 OTHER REGIONAL ENTITIES TO SUPPORT REGIONAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS23 TEAMS AND CAPABILITIES.24 (4) E ACH RAILROAD SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT 25 OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO CONDUCT AT LEAST TWO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS26 RESPONSE TABLETOP EXERCISES EACH YEAR WITH OTHER FEDERAL ,27 1030 -14- REGIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES , INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE1 SCENARIO INVOLVING DERAILMENT AND RELEASE OF CRUDE OIL OR OTHER2 FLAMMABLE MATERIALS AND AT LEAST ONE INCIDENT WITH DERAILMENT3 INVOLVING INHALATION HAZARDS .4 40-20-306. Emergency notifications. (1) W ITHIN THIRTY 5 MINUTES AFTER DISCOVERING AN EMERGENCY INVOLVING A TRAIN ,6 UNLESS COMMUNICATION IS IMPOSSIBLE , THE RAILROAD OPERATING THE7 TRAIN SHALL NOTIFY THE STATE'S WATCH CENTER OF THE EMERGENCY BY8 TELEPHONE OR ANOTHER AGREED -UPON METHOD OF COMMUNICATION TO9 ENSURE THAT AUTHORITIES CAN RESPOND SWIFTLY AND APPROPRIATELY .10 E MERGENCY CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE A RAILROAD TO PROVIDE SUCH 11 NOTICE INCLUDE:12 (a) R ELEASE OF ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ; 13 (b) D EATH OF ANY INDIVIDUAL; 14 (c) I NJURY TO ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT REQUIRES MEDICAL 15 TREATMENT IN ADDITION TO FIRST AID;16 (d) A NY FIRE OR RISK OF FIRE; AND 17 (e) P ROPERTY DAMAGE AMOUNTING TO FIFTY T HOUSAND DOLLARS 18 OR MORE.19 (2) T HE NOTIFICATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS 20 SECTION MUST INCLUDE:21 (a) D ETAILS ABOUT THE NATURE AND SEVERITY OF THE 22 EMERGENCY, SUCH AS THE TYPE OF INCIDENT , THE LOCATION OF THE23 INCIDENT, POTENTIAL HAZARDS INVOLVED, AND ANY IMMEDIATE ACTIONS24 TAKEN OR REQUIRED;25 (b) T HE EXTENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE EMERGENCY , INCLUDING 26 ANY INJURIES, FATALITIES, PROPERTY DAMAGE , OR ENVIRONMENTAL27 1030 -15- DAMAGE;1 (c) I MPACTS ON OTHER SURFACE TRANSPORTATION , INCLUDING 2 BLOCKED ROADWAYS ;3 (d) I F THE EMERGENCY INVOLVES THE TRANSPORTATION OF 4 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS , SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE MATERIALS5 INVOLVED, THEIR QUANTITIES, AND ANY POTENTIAL RISKS TO PUBLIC6 SAFETY OR THE ENVIRONMENT ;7 (e) R ESPONSE ACTIONS TAKEN TO MITIGATE THE EMERGENCY ; 8 (f) R EQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE , INCLUDING EVACUATIONS , 9 CONTAINMENT, AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES; AND10 (g) A NY IMMEDIATE COORDINATION EFFORTS THAT HAVE TAKEN 11 PLACE WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES.12 (3) A FTER PROVIDING THE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION DESCRIBED 13 IN SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION, A RAILROAD SHALL SUBMIT14 FOLLOW-UP REPORTS TO THE COMMISSION AND COORDINATE RESPONSE15 EFFORTS.16 (4) A RAILROAD THAT PROVIDES A NOTIFICATION DESCRIBED IN 17 SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION SHALL ALSO NOTIFY THE COMMUNITY18 RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY19 ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE INCIDENT WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER20 PROVIDING THE NOTIFICATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS21 SECTION.22 40-20-307. Reporting violation to union representative -23 request for investigation. (1) A CREW MEMBER OF A TRAIN OPERATED BY24 A RAILROAD IN THE STATE MAY REPORT TO THE CREW MEMBER 'S25 DESIGNATED UNION REPRESENTATIVE :26 (a) A VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED27 1030 -16- IN THIS PART 3;1 (b) A N INJURY THE CREW MEMBER OR ANOTHER CREW MEMBER2 SUSTAINED WHILE OPERATING A TRAIN ON ANY TRACK IN CONNECTION3 WITH RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION IN THE STATE ; OR4 (c) A DEATH THAT OCCURRED DURING THE OPERATION OF A TRAIN .5 (2) A DESIGNATED UNION REPRESENTATIVE RECEIVING A REPORT6 MAY REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION FROM THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY . 7 40-20-308. Violations - penalties - rules. (1) I F A RAILROAD OR8 ANY OFFICER, AGENT, OR EMPLOYEE OF THE RAILROAD VIOLATES SECTION9 40-20-303, THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION MAY IMPOSE A FINE OF NOT10 LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS BUT NOT MORE THAN TWENTY -FIVE11 THOUSAND DOLLARS ON THE RAILROAD . EACH DAY OF A CONTINUING12 VIOLATION CONSTITUTES A SEPARATE VIOLATION .13 (2) N OTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION, THE14 PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION MAY IMPOSE A FINE OF UP TO ONE HUNDRED15 THOUSAND DOLLARS PER VIOLATION IF THE COMMISSION FINDS :16 (a) T HE RAILROAD INTENTIONALLY OR KNOWINGLY VIOLATED17 SECTION 40-20-303; OR 18 (b) T HE RAILROAD'S VIOLATION WAS PART OF A PATTERN AND19 PRACTICE OF REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF SECTION 40-20-303. 20 (3) T HE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SHALL TRANSFER ALL FINES21 COLLECTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (1) AND (2) OF THIS SECTION TO22 THE STATE TREASURER, WHO SHALL CREDIT THE FINES TO THE FUND.23 (4) T HE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE RULES24 FOR THE DETERMINATION, IMPOSITION, AND APPEAL OF FINES UNDER THIS25 SECTION.26 40-20-309. Rail district maintenance and safety fund - created.27 1030 -17- (1) THE RAIL DISTRICT MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY F UND IS HEREBY1 CREATED IN THE STATE TREASURY . THE FUND CONSISTS OF ANY MONEY2 CREDITED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION 40-20-308 (3) AND ANY3 OTHER MONEY THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY APPROPRIATE OR4 TRANSFER TO THE FUND.5 (2) T HE STATE TREASURER SHALL CREDIT ALL INTEREST AND6 INCOME DERIVED FROM THE DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEY IN THE7 FUND TO THE FUND.8 (3) (a) FOR THE 2025-26 STATE FISCAL YEAR AND EACH STATE9 FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER, MONEY IN THE FUND IS ANNUALLY10 APPROPRIATED TO THE TRANSIT AND RAIL DIVISION IN THE DEPARTMENT11 OF TRANSPORTATION. THE DIVISION MAY EXPEND THE MONEY RECEIVED12 FOR THE PURPOSES OF:13 (I) SAFETY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DURING THE RESEARCH ,14 DEVELOPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEM ;15 (II) P LANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR MAINTENANCE AND 16 OPERATION OF SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ON ANY RAILROAD OR RAILROAD17 CROSSING IN THE STATE; AND18 (III) COMPLETING CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO IMPROVE19 THE SAFETY OF A PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEM .20 (b) M ONEY IN THE FUND IS NOT INTENDED TO INCREASE THE 21 NUMBER OF FULL -TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF22 TRANSPORTATION.23 40-20-310. Training - rules. (1) O N OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2025,24 AND AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS THEREAFTER , EACH RAILROAD25 SHALL OFFER TRAINING TO EACH FIRE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER FIRST26 RESPONDER ORGANIZATION HAVING JURISDICTION ALONG TRACKS UPON27 1030 -18- WHICH THE RAILROAD OPERATES IN THE STATE . IN SATISFYING THIS1 REQUIREMENT, A RAILROAD MAY OFFER SUCH TRAINING SIMULTANEOUSLY2 TO MORE THAN ONE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDER3 ORGANIZATION.4 (2) T HE TRAINING DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION5 MUST:6 (a) A DDRESS THE GENERAL HAZARDS OF HAZARDOUS7 MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES TO ASSESS RISKS POSED TO THE ENVIRONMENT8 AND TO THE SAFETY OF EMERGENCY RESPONDERS AND THE PUBLIC ,9 FACTORS AN INCIDENT COMMANDER MUST CONSIDER IN DETERMINING10 WHETHER TO ATTEMPT TO SUPPRESS A FIRE OR TO EVACUATE THE PUBLIC11 AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS FROM AN AREA , PUBLIC NOTIFICATION12 PROCESSES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION RESPONSE , RESOURCE13 COORDINATION, AND OTHER STRATEGIES FOR INITIAL RESPONSE BY14 EMERGENCY RESPONDERS ; AND15 (b) I NCLUDE SAFETY DRILLS THAT IMPLEMENT SUGGESTED16 PROTOCOLS OR PRACTICES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS TO USE TO17 SAFELY ACCOMPLISH THE TASK S DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (2)(a) OF THIS18SECTION. EACH RAILROAD OPERATING TRAINS IN COLORADO SHALL19 CONDUCT AT LEAST ONE OIL CONTAINMENT, RECOVERY, AND SENSITIVE20 AREA PROTECTION WALKTHROUGH; TABLETOP EXERCISE; OR FUNCTIONAL21 EXERCISE INVOLVING OIL OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES EVERY YEAR, AND22 AT LEAST ONE FULL-SCALE EXERCISE EVERY FIVE YEARS , IN23 COORDINATION WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS24 AND LOCAL FIRE CHIEFS.25 (3) THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE RULES26 FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION, INCLUDING RULES27 1030 -19- CONCERNING TRAINING CONTENT, SAFETY DRILLS, COMMUNICATION, AND1 RAILROAD INCIDENT RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS .2 (4) I N SATISFYING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION , A 3 RAILROAD SHALL COORDINATE ITS EFFORTS WITH LOCAL LAW4 ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SECTION OF5 THE COLORADO STATE PATROL.6 (5) A CLASS II OR CLASS III RAILROAD MAY SATISFY THE 7 REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION BY EITHER :8 (a) E NTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH A CLASS I RAILROAD TO 9 BE A PARTNER WITH THE CLASS I RAILROAD IN ITS PROGRAM; OR10 (b) A DOPTING THE TRAINING PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY THE SHORT 11 L INE SAFETY INSTITUTE. 12 13 40-20-311. Office of rail safety - agreement with federal14 railroad administration - duties of commission, department of public15 safety, and department of transportation - inspections - report -rules16 - repeal. (1) T HE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY IS CREATED WITH THE MISSION 17 OF ENSURING FREIGHT, PASSENGER, COMMUNITY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL18 RAIL SAFETY IN THE STATE FOR THE STATE 'S UNIQUE AND DELICATE19 TERRAIN, ITS HEADWATERS, ITS COMMUNITIES, AND ITS RAIL WORKERS.20 T HE COMMISSION SHALL ADMINISTER THE OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 21 THIS ARTICLE 20.22 (2) (a) A S SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE, THE COMMISSION, ON BEHALF 23 OF THE STATE, SHALL ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL24 RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION PURSUANT TO 49 CFR PART 212 TO25 PARTICIPATE IN INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES . UNDER THE26 AGREEMENT, THE COMMISSION SHALL SECURE THE AUTHORITY TO27 1030 -20- ADDRESS ALL RAILROAD SAFETY DISCIPLINES , INCLUDING CROSSINGS,1 TRACK, SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL, MOTIVE POWER AND EQUIPMENT ,2 OPERATING PRACTICES, COMPLIANCE, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS .3 (b) I F AN AGREEMENT CANNOT BE REACHED AS DESCRIBED IN 4 SUBSECTION (2)(a) OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION, ON BEHALF OF THE5 STATE, SHALL FILE AN ANNUAL CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 49 CFR6 212.107.7 (3) T HE COMMISSION, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY , AND 8 THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL ENGAGE IN INSPECTION AND9 INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES AS DESCRIBED IN 49 CFR 212 TO ADDRESS10 COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS PART 3.11 N OTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF THIS SECTION , THE AUTHORITY OF 12 THE COMMISSION, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY , AND THE13 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENGAGE IN INSPECTION AND14 INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION IS LIMITED TO :15 (a) C LASS I RAILROADS; 16 (b) R AILROADS OPERATING ANY LINES THAT WERE USED BY CLASS 17 I RAILROADS AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PART 3; AND 18 (c) P ASSENGER RAILROADS. 19 (4) T HE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY BRING AN ACTION , CONSISTENT 20 WITH 49 CFR PART 212, TO ENFORCE STATE AND FEDERAL RAILROAD21 SAFETY REGULATIONS. IN BRINGING SUCH AN ACTION , THE ATTORNEY22 GENERAL SHALL COMPLY WITH 49 CFR 212.115.23 (5) A N INTERESTED PARTY MAY REQUEST THAT THE COMMISSION , 24 THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY , OR THE DEPARTMENT OF25 TRANSPORTATION INVESTIGATE AN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THIS PART 3.26 (6) T HE COMMISSION, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, OR THE 27 1030 -21- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MAY REPORT AN ALLEGED VIOLATION1 OF THIS PART 3 OR ANY OTHER SAFETY CONCERN TO THE FEDERAL2 RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION OR THE FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION3 BOARD.4 (7) T HE COMMISSION MAY SEEK , ACCEPT, AND EXPEND GIFTS, 5 GRANTS, AND DONATIONS AND FEDERAL GRANT MONEY TO PURCHASE6 TRAINING MATERIALS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AS NEEDED FOR THE7 IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION.8 (8) T HE COMMISSION SHALL REGULARLY ENGAGE WITH 9 RAILROADS, UNIONS REPRESENTING RAILROAD EMPLOYEES , LOCAL10 GOVERNMENTS OF COUNTIES, SPECIAL DISTRICTS, AND MUNICIPALITIES11 THAT CONTAIN RAILROAD LINES , FIRST RESPONDER ORGANIZATIONS ,12 DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES , AND ENVIRONMENTAL13 ORGANIZATIONS IN IMPLEMENTING THIS SECTION .14 (9) T HE COMMISSION, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY , AND 15 THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ARE IMMUNE FROM LIABILITY FOR16 ACTIONS PERFORMED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION , AS DESCRIBED IN17 ARTICLE 10 OF TITLE 24.18 (10) T HE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY SHALL COLLECT AND REPORT 19 INFORMATION REGARDING BLOCKED HIGHWAY -RAIL CROSSINGS IN THE20 STATE, INCLUDING INFORMATION REGARDING EMERGENCY VEHICLES21 AFFECTED BY BLOCKED HIGHWAY -RAIL CROSSINGS.22 (11) (a) T HE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY SHALL CREATE A STANDARD 23 PROCESS FOR INVESTIGATORS TO USE DURING INVESTIGATIONS UNDER THIS24 SECTION FOR DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATE TIME AND METHOD FOR :25 (I) G ATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT AN INVESTIGATION FROM 26 RAILROADS, CONTRACTORS, OR EMPLOYEES OF RAILROADS OR FROM27 1030 -22- REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES OF RAILROADS , AND OTHERS, AS1 DETERMINED RELEVANT BY THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY ; AND2 (II) C ONSULTING WITH RAILROADS, CONTRACTORS, OR EMPLOYEES 3 OF RAILROADS, OR WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES OF RAILROADS ,4 AND OTHERS, AS DETERMINED RELEVANT BY THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY ,5 FOR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE ON THE FACTS OF AN INVESTIGATION .6 (b) I N DEVELOPING THE PROCESS REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION 7 (11)(a) OF THIS SECTION, THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY SHALL INCLUDE 8 CONSIDERATION OF HOW TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF ANY9 ENTITY IDENTIFIED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (11)(a) OF THIS SECTION IF:10 (I) T HE ENTITY REQUESTS CONFIDENTIALITY ; 11 (II) T HE ENTITY WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT OR 12 INCIDENT; AND13 (III) M AINTAINING THE ENTITY'S CONFIDENTIALITY DOES NOT 14 ADVERSELY AFFECT AN INVESTIGATION BY THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY .15 (c) (I) E XCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (11)(c)(II) OF THIS 16 SECTION, THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY MAY NOT DISCLOSE THE NAME OF AN17 EMPLOYEE OF A RAILROAD WHO HAS PROVIDED INFORMATION ABOUT AN18 ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THIS PART 3 OR MATTERS DESCRIBED IN19 SUBSECTION (11)(c)(II) OF THIS SECTION UNLESS THE OFFICE OF RAIL20 SAFETY OBTAINS THE EMPLOYEE 'S WRITTEN CONSENT FOR SUCH21 DISCLOSURE.22 (II) T HE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY SHALL DISCLOSE TO THE 23 ATTORNEY GENERAL OR THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION THE24 NAME OF AN EMPLOYEE DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (11)(c)(I) OF THIS25 SECTION IF THE MATTER IS REFERRED TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR THE26 FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION FOR ENFORCEMENT . BEFORE27 1030 -23- MAKING SUCH A DISCLOSURE, THE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY SHALL PROVIDE1 REASONABLE ADVANCE NOTICE TO THE AFFECTED EMPLOYEE AND TO A2 DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE IF SUCH A REPRESENTATIVE3 EXISTS.4 (d) T HE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY SHALL PROMULGATE RULES TO 5 PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM RETALIATION FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN6 INVESTIGATIONS UNDER THIS SECTION AND SHALL CREATE A MECHANISM7 TO ACCEPT AND RESOLVE COMPLAINTS REGARDING VIOLATIONS OF THE8 RULES, WHICH MECHANISM IS CONSISTENT WITH FEDERAL LAW .9 (12) T HE OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE 10 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION , THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,11 THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT , THE12 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES , AND STAKEHOLDERS SUCH AS13 RAILROADS, FIRST RESPONDERS, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, METROPOLITAN14 PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS, AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS TO IDENTIFY AND15 IMPLEMENT INITIATIVES AND PRIORITIES TO REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF16 BLOCKED HIGHWAY -RAIL CROSSINGS , IMPROVE EMERGENCY17 PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE , AND IMPROVE RAIL SAFETY. THIS MAY18 INCLUDE INNOVATIVE USE OF DATA AND TECHNOLOGY TO PRIORITIZE19 ELIMINATION OR PROTECTION OF HIGHWAY-RAIL CROSSINGS, INFORMATION20 SHARING, AND FIRST RESPONDER DECISION SUPPORT. THE OFFICE OF RAIL21 SAFETY SHALL ALSO COORDINATE WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED ENTITIES22 REGARDING POSSIBLE FEDERAL GRANTS TO IMPROVE RAIL AND PUBLIC23 SAFETY.24 (13) (a) O N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, THE COMMISSION, THE 25 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY , AND THE DEPARTMENT OF26 TRANSPORTATION SHALL PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR ; THE27 1030 -24- TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE OF1 THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ; AND THE TRANSPORTATION AND2 ENERGY COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE . THE REPORT MUST BE DEVELOPED IN3 CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY4 COMMITTEE AND THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND5 INCLUDE:6 (I) A N ASSESSMENT OF THE STAFFING LEVELS AND EQUIPMENT 7 NECESSARY TO ENSURE RAILROADS ' COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND8 STATE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND MINIMIZE RAIL SAFETY RISKS FOR9 RAILROADS, FACILITIES, WORKERS, AND COMMUNITIES THAT INCLUDE RAIL10 LINES;11 (II) A N INDICATION THAT PUBLIC DATA NOT SUBJECT TO 12 EXCEPTIONS UNDER THE "COLORADO OPEN RECORDS ACT", PART 2 OF13 ARTICLE 72 OF TITLE 24, WILL BE SHARED WITH THE COMMUNITY RAIL14 SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY15 COMMITTEE;16 (III) A N ASSESSMENT OF DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING NEEDS 17 TO ENSURE ANNUAL REPORTING ON RAIL SAFETY , INCLUDING TRAIN18 LENGTH, FOR COVERED RAILROADS AND FACILITIES ;19 (IV) A N ASSESSMENT OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND CLEANUP 20 CAPACITY NEEDED FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS INVOLVING21 RAILROADS;22 (V) A QUANTIFICATION OF THE ADEQUATE LEVELS OF INVESTMENT 23 NECESSARY TO REDUCE HIGHWAY -RAIL CROSSING INCIDENTS AND OTHER24 RISKS;25 (VI) M ECHANISMS FOR ENSURING EQUITABLE INPUT FROM 26 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO STATE AGENCIES REGARDING RAIL SAFETY ;27 1030 -25- (VII) AN ASSESSMENT OF BEST PRACTICES FOR ENSURING1 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESPONSE, CLEANUP, AND DAMAGES FROM2 MAJOR RAIL EVENTS, WHICH ASSESSMENT REVIEWS BEST PRACTICES FROM3 OTHER STATES;4 (VIII) A REPORT CONCERNING COMMUNICATION ISSUES IMPACTING 5 RAIL LINES IN THE STATE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATION WITH STATE6 ENTITIES SUCH AS THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ; COMMUNICATION7 ISSUES BETWEEN CREWS WORKING LONG TRAINS ; AND COMMUNICATION8 FROM WAYSIDE DETECTORS TO CREWS ; AND9 (IX) (A) A LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL CONCERNING THE CREATION OF 10 A FEE STRUCTURE OR OTHER REVENUE SOURCE , AN ASSESSMENT, AND A11 GOVERNANCE BODY AND AN OFFICE OF RAIL SAFETY TO ADDRESS THE12 NEEDS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTIONS (13)(a)(I) TO (13)(a)(VIII) OF THIS13 SECTION, WHICH FEE STRUCTURE, ASSESSMENT, AND GOVERNANCE BODY14 CAN BE INTRODUCED AS LEGISLATION AS SOON AS THE 2025 REGULAR15 LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND BEGIN OPERATING NO LATER THAN JANUARY 1,16 2027.17 (B) T HE REPORT MUST INCLUDE A RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHICH 18 STATE AGENCY WOULD HOST THE PROPOSED GOVERNANCE BODY TO19 ENSURE PROPER COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAW , EQUITABLE20 ACCESS TO COMMUNITY AND WORKER ORGANIZATIONS , AND21 ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY REQUIREMENTS .22 (b) I N PREPARING THE REPORT DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (13)(a) 23 OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,24 AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL CONSULT WITH THE25 ATTORNEY GENERAL , THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY26 COMMITTEE AND THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE , AND27 1030 -26- INTERESTED STAKEHOLDERS , INCLUDING RAILROADS , UNIONS1 REPRESENTING RAILROAD EMPLOYEES , LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF2 COUNTIES, SPECIAL DISTRICTS, AND MUNICIPALITIES THAT CONTAIN3 RAILROAD LINES, THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION , FIRST4 RESPONDER ORGANIZATIONS , DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED5 COMMUNITIES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS .6 (c) T HIS SUBSECTION (13) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026. 7 (14) T HE COMMISSION MAY PROMULGATE RULES TO IMPLEMENT 8 THIS SECTION.9 40-20-312. Community rail safety advisory committee -10 membership - duties - rail safety plan - discrimination, adverse11 action, retaliation prohibited - repeal. (1) T HE COMMUNITY RAIL 12 SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CREATED .13 (2) (a) T HE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 14 CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS :15 (I) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS UNION WORKERS WHO WORK 16 FOR A CLASS I FREIGHT RAIL LINE IN THE STATE, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE17 SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ;18 (II) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS UNION WORKERS WHO WORK 19 FOR A CLASS I FREIGHT RAIL LINE IN THE STATE, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE20 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; EXCEPT THAT THE MEMBER MUST REPRESENT21 UNION WORKERS WHO WORK FOR A CLASS I FREIGHT LINE OTHER THAN THE22 CLASS I FREIGHT LINE WHOSE UNION WORKERS ARE REPRESENTED BY THE23 MEMBER APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (2)(a)(I) OF THIS SECTION;24 (III) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS UNION WORKERS WHO WORK 25 FOR A CLASS II OR III RAILROAD IN THE STATE, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE26 GOVERNOR;27 1030 -27- (IV) ONE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS UNION WORKERS WHO WORK1 FOR A PASSENGER RAIL OPERATOR, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF2 THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;3 (V) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS A DISPROPORTIONATELY 4 IMPACTED COMMUNITY , TO BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE5 SENATE;6 (VI) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS A STATEWIDE 7 ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION , TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR ;8 AND 9 (VII) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS AN ORGANIZATION WITH A 10 MISSION TO COLLABORATE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND11 UNION REPRESENTATIVES, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE12 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.13 (b) T HE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION 14 (2)(a) OF THIS SECTION SHALL MAKE THE INITIAL APPOINTMENTS ON OR 15 BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2024.16 (c) T HE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY 17 COMMITTEE EACH SERVE TERMS OF THREE YEARS ; EXCEPT THAT:18 (I) T HE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY 19 COMMITTEE INITIALLY APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (2)(a)(VI)20 AND (2)(a)(VII) OF THIS SECTION SHALL EACH SERVE AN INITIAL TERM OF21 ONE YEAR; AND22 (II) T HE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY 23 COMMITTEE INITIALLY APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (2)(a)(III),24 (2)(a)(IV), AND (2)(a)(V) OF THIS SECTION SHALL EACH SERVE AN INITIAL 25 TERM OF TWO YEARS.26 (d) M EMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY 27 1030 -28- COMMITTEE SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THEIR RESPECTIVE APPOINTING1 AUTHORITIES.2 (e) M EMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY 3 COMMITTEE MAY SERVE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF TERMS .4 (3) M EMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY 5 COMMITTEE WHO ARE NOT COMPENSATED FOR ACTING IN OFFICIAL JOB6 ROLES MAY RECEIVE PER DIEM COMPENSATION FROM THE OFFICE OF RAIL7 SAFETY CREATED IN SECTION 40-20-311. MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY8 RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES9 INCURRED WHILE PERFORMING THE MEMBERS ' DUTIES.10 (4) A N EMPLOYER SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE , TAKE ADVERSE 11 ACTION, OR RETALIATE AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE IN RESPONSE TO THE12 EMPLOYEE:13 (a) S ERVING IN GOOD FAITH ON THE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY 14 ADVISORY COMMITTEE; OR15 (b) R AISING A REASONABLE CONCERN ABOUT A POSSIBLE 16 WORKPLACE VIOLATION OF GOVERNMENT SAFETY RULES , OR ABOUT AN17 OTHERWISE SIGNIFICANT WORKPLACE THREAT TO SAFETY , TO THE18 EMPLOYER, THE EMPLOYER 'S AGENT, ANOTHER EMPLOYEE , A19 GOVERNMENT AGENCY , OR THE PUBLIC IF THE EMPLOYER CONTROLS THE20 WORKPLACE CONDITIONS GIVING RISE TO THE ALLEGED VIOLATION OR21 THREAT.22 (5) T HE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS 23 REPEALED, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2034. BEFORE THE REPEAL, THE24 COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS SCHEDULED FOR25 REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2-3-1203.26 40-20-313. Rail industry safety advisory committee -27 1030 -29- membership - duties - rail safety plan - repeal. (1) T HE RAIL INDUSTRY1 SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CREATED .2 (2) (a) T HE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3 CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING NINE MEMBERS , EACH TO BE APPOINTED BY4 THE GOVERNOR:5 (I) T WO MEMBERS WHO REPRESENT OPERATORS OF CLASS I 6 RAILROADS OPERATING FREIGHT RAIL LINES ;7 (II) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS A CLASS II OR CLASS III 8 RAILROAD IN THE STATE;9 (III) O NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS A RAILROAD THAT OPERATES 10 A PASSENGER RAIL LINE;11 (IV) T WO MEMBERS WHO REPRESENT FIRST RESPONDER 12 ORGANIZATIONS; AND13 (V) T HREE MEMBERS WITH EXPERTISE CONCERNING RAIL SAFETY , 14 RAIL OPERATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE , OR TRANSPORTATION15 REGULATION.16 (b) T HE GOVERNOR SHALL MAKE THE INITIAL APPOINTMENTS ON 17 OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2024.18 (c) T HE MEMBERS OF THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY 19 COMMITTEE EACH SERVE TERMS OF THREE YEARS ; EXCEPT THAT:20 (I) T HE MEMBERS OF THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY 21 COMMITTEE INITIALLY APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (2)(a)(I)22 AND (2)(a)(II) OF THIS SECTION SHALL EACH SERVE AN INITIAL TERM OF23 ONE YEAR; AND24 (II) T HE MEMBERS OF THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY 25 COMMITTEE INITIALLY APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (2)(a)(III)26 and (2)(a)(IV) OF THIS SECTION SHALL EACH SERVE AN INITIAL TERM OF 27 1030 -30- TWO YEARS.1 (d) M EMBERS OF THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY 2 COMMITTEE SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR .3 (e) M EMBERS OF THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY 4 COMMITTEE MAY SERVE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF TERMS .5 (3) M EMBERS OF THE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY 6 COMMITTEE SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION BUT MUST BE REIMBURSED7 FROM MONEY IN THE FUND FOR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES8 INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MEMBERS ' DUTIES PURSUANT TO9 THIS SECTION.10 (4) T HE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS 11 REPEALED, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2034. BEFORE THE REPEAL, THE RAIL12 INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS SCHEDULED FOR REVIEW IN13 ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2-3-1203.14 40-20-314. Enforcement. T HE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 15 SHALL CONDUCT PERIODIC COMPLIANCE REVIEWS TO ENSURE EACH16 RAILROAD IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PART 3.17 40-20-315. Severability. IF ANY PROVISION OF THIS PART 3 OR THE18 APPLICATION OF THIS PART 3 TO ANY PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE IS HELD19 INVALID, SUCH INVALIDITY DOES NOT AFFECT OTHER PROVISIONS OR20 APPLICATIONS OF THIS PART 3 THAT CAN BE GIVEN EFFECT WITHOUT THE21 INVALID PROVISION OR APPLICATION, AND TO THIS END THE PROVISIONS OF22 THIS PART 3 ARE DECLARED TO BE SEVERABLE.23 SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 2-3-1203, add24 (25)(a)(III) and (25)(a)(IV) as follows:25 2-3-1203. Sunset review of advisory committees - legislative26 declaration - definition - repeal. (25) (a) The following statutory27 1030 -31- authorizations for the designated advisory committees will repeal on1 September 1, 2034:2 (III) T HE COMMUNITY RAIL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3 CREATED IN SECTION 40-20-312;4 (IV) T HE RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREATED 5 IN SECTION 40-20-313.6 SECTION 3. Appropriation. (1) For the 2024-25 state fiscal7 year, $391,057 is appropriated to the department of regulatory agencies8 for use by the public utilities commission. This appropriation is from the9 public utilities commission fixed utility fund, created in section 40-2-11410 (1)(b)(II), C.R.S. To implement this act, the commission may use this11 appropriation as follows:12 (a) $359,897 for personal services, which amount is based on an13 assumption that the commission will require an additional 3.5 FTE; and14 (b) $31,160 for operating expenses.15 SECTION 4. Effective date. This act takes effect July 1, 2024.16 SECTION 5. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,17 determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate18 preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for19 the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state20 institutions.21 1030 -32-