SJR38 Summary

• Urges the Governor to establish the Alabama Commission on Railway Safety comprised of up to 17 members to review current railroad safety laws, regulations, and procedures in the state.

• Commission shall recommend improvements including implementing innovative technology, improving highway traffic flow and grade separation, closing redundant grade crossings, and increasing funding for Alabama Department of Transportation's Section 130 Program.

• Commission membership includes representatives from Public Service Commission, Alabama Department of Transportation, Emergency Management Agency, Law Enforcement Agency, State Fire Marshal, and sheriffs and police chiefs associations, each able to appoint law enforcement officers from rail-impacted jurisdictions.

• Three additional members appointed by the Governor: two representing the railroad industry and one representing the Alabama Railway Association, plus the Executive Director of Operation Lifesaver-Alabama.

• All state agencies are urged to cooperate fully with the commission in accomplishing its objectives; the resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2016 and the House on March 1, 2016.