MN SF2797

Establishes new definitions for unit trains (more than 25 tanker railcars carrying oil or hazardous substances), listed sensitive areas, and local incident commanders in Minnesota's hazardous materials statute.

Requires railroads operating unit trains to offer initial training to fire departments by June 30, 2016, and refresher training every three years on hazard assessment, response strategies, and suppression decisions.

Mandates railroads and pipeline companies maintain emergency response capabilities with specific time limits: qualified employee within 1 hour, monitoring equipment within 3 hours, and full containment booms within 8 hours of a discharge.

Requires annual communication between railroads/pipelines and county/city emergency managers, railroad employee safety representatives, and fire departments to coordinate emergency response activities along transportation routes.

Directs the Pollution Control Agency to review prevention and response plans, conduct inspections and drills, and enforce compliance with preparedness requirements for railroads and pipeline companies.