AR HB1768

Creates statewide requirements for railroad train defect detectors in response to the February 2023 East Palestine, Ohio derailment, citing the absence of federal regulation of these safety devices.

Mandates that all defect detectors installed in Arkansas include hot box detectors, hot wheel detectors, and dragging equipment detector technology, with audible alarms assigned to Association of American Railroads frequencies.

Requires defect detectors to be installed every 10 miles (or at least 15 miles if terrain prevents closer installation), with trains proceeding at restricted speed (20 m.p.h. maximum) in gaps between detectors.

Establishes procedures for trains detecting defects, including mandatory ground inspections and speed restrictions (10 m.p.h. for hazardous materials, 30 m.p.h. for other trains) until equipment is repaired or removed at nearest siding.

Imposes civil penalties of $10,000-$25,000 per day for violations, with fines up to $500,000 for grossly negligent violations or repeated pattern violations causing death or injury; penalties fund state highway maintenance and are split with affected municipalities in derailment cases.