RI
Rhode Island House Bill H8201

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8201

Introduced
4/25/24  

Caption

Provides that no train or light engine would be used in connection with the movement of freight could be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least 2 persons, would also include the imposition of fines upon a company for violation of the act.

Impact

The enactment of HB 8201 will directly modify existing laws that govern public utilities and carriers, particularly those related to railroad operations. By stipulating minimum crew requirements, the bill seeks to prevent potential accidents and improve emergency response capabilities during freight operations. The fines for violations are designed to promote compliance amongst operators. Initial offenses carry a fine of $250 to $1,000, escalating for subsequent violations, which emphasizes the importance of adherence to these new standards.

Summary

House Bill 8201 establishes important regulations regarding the operation of freight trains in Rhode Island. It mandates that all trains or light engines involved in the transportation of freight must operate with a minimum crew of two persons. This legislative measure aims to enhance safety within the railroad industry by ensuring an adequate number of personnel are present in the event of an emergency or operational oversight. The bill reflects a growing concern regarding rail safety standards and the implications of reduced crew sizes on public safety.

Contention

While the bill has strong support from safety advocates, there may be contention regarding the financial implications for railroad companies who might be concerned about increased operational costs due to these minimum crew requirements. Some stakeholders argue that having fewer crew members can lead to substantial savings in labor costs, while opponents argue that safety should not be compromised for financial reasons. The balance between economic considerations and public safety continues to be a pertinent discussion within legislative circles.

Latest RI H8201 Activity

View All Events: RI 2024 Regular Session H8201

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0520

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $1,000,000 To The Office Of Energy Resources To Fund A Rebate Program In Conjunction With The Passage Of An Eligible Ordinance That Would Ban The Use Of Gasoline-powered Leaf Blowers (this Joint Resolution Would Authorize An Appropriation Out Of The 2022-2023 Budget Surplus Of $1,000,000 To Fund A Rebate Program In Conjunction With The Passage Of An Eligible Ordinance That Would Ban The Use Of Gasoline-powered Leaf Blowers.)

RI H6466

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $1,000,000 To The Office Of Energy Resources To Fund A Rebate Program In Conjunction With The Passage Of An Eligible Ordinance That Would Ban The Use Of Gasoline-powered Leaf Blowers (this Joint Resolution Would Authorize An Appropriation Out Of The 2022-2023 Budget Surplus Of $1,000,000 To Fund A Rebate Program In Conjunction With The Passage Of An Eligible Ordinance That Would Ban The Use Of Gasoline-powered Leaf Blowers.)

RI S0422

Joint Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Relating To The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age (this Joint Resolution Would Ratify A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Which Would Provide That The Congress Of The United States Would Have The Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under 18 Years Of Age.)

RI H5311

Joint Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Relating To The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age (this Joint Resolution Would Ratify A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Which Would Provide That The Congress Of The United States Would Have The Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under 18 Years Of Age.)

RI H5816

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $2,500,000 To The Haus Of Codec (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $2,500,000 To The Haus Of Codec.)

RI S0620

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Task Force To Improve The Long-term Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females Within The Criminal Justice Population (creates A 19 Member Task Force Whose Purpose It Would Be To Improve Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females In The Criminal Justice System, And Who Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 2024.)

RI H6163

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Task Force To Improve The Long-term Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females Within The Criminal Justice Population (creates A 19 Member Task Force Whose Purpose It Would Be To Improve Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females In The Criminal Justice System, And Who Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 2024.)

RI H6314

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $125,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $125,000 To The Dem To Fund Engineering And Architectural Analyses For Infrastructure Improvements Required At Meshanticut Lake State Park.)

RI H5051

House Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024 (this Resolution Would Adopt The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024.)

RI S0015

Senate Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Rhode Island Department Of Administration To Provide Recommendations To Support The Preservation And Protection Of Our Environment (bans State Purchases Of Plastic Bottles, Bags And Polystyrene. It Would Also Require State Funds To Be Used To Lease Or Purchase Alternative Fueled Vehicles And Renewable Energy Efficient Technologies For Use On State Property.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.