HF963 Summary

• Establishes a streamlined process for utilities to cross railroad rights-of-way, requiring utilities to submit a completed crossing application with engineering design, standard crossing fee of $1,250 (adjusted annually), and proof of insurance.

• Utilities may begin construction 35 days after railroad receives complete application unless railroad objects in writing that the crossing poses a serious threat to safe operations or current use of the right-of-way.

• Creates dispute resolution procedures allowing either party to petition the Public Utilities Commission for mediation or arbitration if parties cannot resolve objections within 60 days, with commission decision required within 120 days.

• Requires utilities to pay reasonable flagging expenses and conduct inductive interference studies for electric transmission lines of 125 kilovolts or higher; sets specific insurance requirements ranging from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on utility type.

• Appropriates $80,000 to the Public Utilities Commission in fiscal year 2017 for administration of the new crossing requirements, with a base appropriation of $21,000 for fiscal year 2018 and beyond.