HB3755 Summary

• Establishes minimum freight train crew size of at least 2 individuals for all trains or light engines used in connection with freight movement, remaining in effect until federal law on the subject is adopted.

• Prohibits rail carriers from permitting trains to obstruct public travel at railroad-highway grade crossings for more than 10 minutes, except where the train is continuously moving or cannot be moved due to circumstances beyond the carrier's control.

• Requires stricter obstruction limits in counties with populations over 1,000,000 during rush hours (7:00-9:00 a.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.), limiting obstruction to 10 minutes within any 30-minute period with tiered penalties ranging from $200-$500 for violations exceeding 10 minutes.

• Requires rail carriers to minimize obstruction of emergency vehicles at crossings and, in Chicago and St. Louis switching districts, mandates dispatchers immediately notify train crews upon receiving notification of emergency vehicle obstruction.

• Directs Commission and Department of Transportation to study the relationship between train speeds and grade crossing safety, with findings reported to the General Assembly by January 5, 1997.