2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25101232D
SENATE BILL NO. 779
Offered January 8, 2025
Prefiled December 26, 2024
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 7 of Chapter 13 of Title 56 a section numbered 56-425.1, relating to railroad safety; minimum train crew; movement of freight; civil penalties.
PatronCarroll Foy
Referred to Committee on Transportation
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 7 of Chapter 13 of Title 56 a section numbered 56-425.1 as follows:
56-425.1. Minimum train crew; movement of freight; civil penalties.
No railroad company shall use or allow the use of any train, locomotive, or light engine in connection with the movement of freight unless such railroad company complies with the minimum train crew size safety requirements under 49 C.F.R. 218.121 through 218.137, as amended from time to time. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the use of a train, locomotive, or light engine for hostler or utility service. Any railroad company in violation of the provisions of this section shall, in the discretion of the Commission, be fined not less than $500 nor more than $2,000. For a second violation within three years, such railroad company shall, in the discretion of the Commission, be fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000. For a third or subsequent violation within three years of the first violation, such railroad company shall, in the discretion of the Commission, be fined not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000. The number of violations within three years shall be measured by the dates that the violations occur.