MS HB1262

Requires railroads and public entities to reasonably accommodate each other when public improvement projects conflict with railroad operations or facilities, including timely issuance of easements, work permits, and licenses.

Mandates railroads issue necessary permits within 60 days of engineering documentation submission from the Department of Transportation, and public entities issue permits to railroads within 60 days of documentation submission.

Requires both parties to fully comply with permit terms unless 30 days advance notice is provided for changes to timing, duration, or cancellation; failure to comply constitutes prima facie evidence of unreasonable delay.

Establishes expedited court procedures allowing initial hearings within 5 days of complaint filing, with court decisions required within 10 days; courts may order permit issuance, enforce permit terms, and award attorney's fees and costs.

Amends Section 65-1-69 to clarify that railroad-highway crossing projects must comply with the new accommodation requirements and prohibits unreasonable delays in construction.