Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4357

Introduced
2/28/24  
Refer
2/28/24  

Caption

Wayside detector system requirements established.

Impact

The proposed bill would apply primarily to Class I railroads, with regulations also extending to Class II and III railroads when transporting hazardous substances. The requirements set forth include maintenance of operational wayside detector systems at designated intervals along the track and specific protocols for handling defect notifications. Upon receiving a defect alert, a railroad must halt the train, conduct a ground inspection, and take necessary repairs or precautions to ensure safety before continuing operations. This systematic approach is anticipated to significantly enhance the reliability of rail transport safety measures.

Summary

House File 4357 aims to enhance railroad safety by establishing specific requirements for wayside detector systems. These systems are intended to perform automated scanning of trains and track equipment to identify defects or precursors to defects. By incorporating such safety mechanisms, the bill reflects a proactive approach to prevent accidents and improve the overall safety of rail transport in Minnesota. This legislation would codify these requirements into Minnesota Statutes, specifically chapter 219.

Contention

Although the bill presents a comprehensive framework for safety regulation, it may encounter some points of contention. Stakeholders within the railroad industry could raise concerns regarding the financial and operational implications of implementing these systems, particularly for smaller railroads that may face challenges in meeting the new requirements. Additionally, the annual reporting mandate to the commissioner regarding the operational status of these systems could be perceived as an additional regulatory burden by some operators, prompting discussions on balancing safety with economic viability.

Companion Bills

MN SF3943

Similar To Wayside detector systems requirement establishment

Previously Filed As

MN SF3943

Wayside detector systems requirement establishment

MN SB250

Create requirements for railroad wayside detector systems

MN SB667

Railroads: safety: wayside detectors: train length: emergency vehicle crossing.

MN HB2004

To Create Standard Requirements Concerning Railroad Train Defect Detectors And Trending Defect Detector Technology.

MN HB1768

To Create Standard Requirements Concerning Railroad Train Defect Detectors.

MN HB1030

Railroad Safety Requirements

MN HF5242

Transportation supplemental budget bill.

MN HB1028

In railroads, providing for prohibition on blocking of crossings, for limitation on length of freight or work trains, for authorization to monitor safety practices and operations by collective bargaining representatives, for safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, for wayside detector systems, for study of transportation of hazardous materials or waste and for reporting system for transportation of hazardous materials or waste; and imposing penalties.

MN SB808

In railroads, providing for prohibition on blocking of crossings, for limitation on length of freight or work trains, for authorization to monitor safety practices and operations by collective bargaining representatives, for safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, for wayside detector systems, for study of transportation of hazardous materials or waste and for reporting system for transportation of hazardous materials or waste; and imposing penalties.

MN HB1191

In railroads, providing for prohibition on blocking of crossings, for limitation on length of freight or work trains, for authorization to monitor safety practices and operations by collective bargaining representatives, for safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, for wayside detector systems, for study of transportation of hazardous materials or waste and for reporting system for transportation of hazardous materials or waste; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

CT HB06609

An Act Concerning Extended Producer Responsibility For Smoke Detectors.

AR HB2004

To Create Standard Requirements Concerning Railroad Train Defect Detectors And Trending Defect Detector Technology.

IL HB3652

FUEL GAS DETECTOR ACT

IL SB1370

FUEL GAS DETECTOR ACT

IL SB3663

FUEL GAS DETECTOR ACT

TX SB1099

Relating to smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in residential rental units.

TX HB1168

Relating to smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in residential rental units.

TN SB1188

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47; Title 49; Title 66 and Title 68, relative to building safety.