CS for SB 572 - Florida High-Speed Passenger Rail Safety Act

• Establishes the "Florida High-Speed Passenger Rail Safety Act" creating regulatory framework for high-speed passenger rail systems operating at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour in Florida.

• Requires railroad companies operating high-speed rail to comply with Federal Railroad Administration laws, install positive train control safety technology, equip grade crossings with remote health monitoring systems, and construct parallel crossing gates per federal standards.

• Mandates railroad companies construct and maintain fencing on both sides of tracks (at least 4.5 feet high) in areas identified by department field surveys, with liability for damages from failure to maintain fencing.

• Makes railroad companies solely responsible for all maintenance, improvement, and upgrade costs related to safety equipment and infrastructure at grade crossings unless governmental entities provide express written consent.

• Requires railroad companies transporting liquefied natural gas on shared corridors to submit annual reports on insurance coverage and financial capability to remediate worst-case spills; requires department inspectors certification and publication of inspection results on department website.

• Effective July 1, 2018.