Montana House Bill HB803

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/24/23

Caption

Revise railroad crew requirements

Impact

The enactment of HB 803 signifies a shift in regulatory requirements for railroad operations. By establishing a minimum crew size for freight trains, the bill seeks to reduce the risk of accidents that could arise from having insufficient crew members onboard. This legislation is designed to align with federal safety standards and practices to bolster the safety of rail transportation, particularly in light of rising freight volumes and the necessity to mitigate operational risks associated with single-person crews.

Summary

House Bill 803 focuses on the requirements for locomotive crews operating freight trains within the state of Montana. The bill mandates that all trains or locomotive engines engaged in transporting freight must be operated by a minimum crew of two individuals. Specifically, one member of the crew must be certified by the federal railroad administration as a locomotive engineer, and the other must be certified as a conductor. This requirement aims to enhance safety measures for freight train operations across the state by ensuring experienced and certified individuals are at the controls during such operations.

Contention

There may be some points of contention surrounding HB 803, particularly regarding the operational challenges that railroad companies might face. Some stakeholders argue that such a requirement could increase operational costs for railroads, potentially resulting in increased freight costs for consumers. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the availability of qualified personnel, which could further complicate the implementation of the two-person crew mandate, especially in areas facing labor shortages or logistical difficulties in recruiting certified staff.