Oklahoma Senate Bill SB907

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Railroads; establishing a fee for railways; requiring certain report; creating the Municipal Railway Bridge Construction Revolving Fund. Effective date.

Impact

The fee structure introduced by SB907 is designed to provide a dedicated source of funding for essential bridge construction projects at railroad crossings, potentially improving public safety and infrastructure. By requiring railroads to account for their operations through regular reporting, the state aims to enhance oversight and maintain transparency regarding rail activity and its implications for local communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 907 establishes new fees for freight railroads operating in the state of Oklahoma. The bill mandates that all freight railroads submit an annual report detailing the total miles of track operated and the number of railroad intersections with public highways. A fee of seven and one-half cents per mile of track and a fee of one hundred dollars for each railroad intersection will be assessed, with revenue directed to the newly created Municipal Railway Bridge Construction Revolving Fund. This fund aims to support construction projects for bridges at railroad crossings within municipalities.

Contention

Although the bill presents benefits for public safety and infrastructure funding, it may face opposition from rail operators concerned about the financial burden imposed by the new fees. There could be debate over the adequacy of the funding generated versus the costs involved in implementing required safety enhancements at railroad crossings. Proponents may argue that these fees are a necessary investment in public safety, while opponents might contend that they could detract from the profitability of rail operations and lead to higher shipping costs.