MT HB933

Utilities may place infrastructure across or within railroad rights-of-way by submitting a crossing application with 30 days notice, a certificate of insurance, and a one-time crossing fee capped at the greater of $3,000 or $10 per linear foot

Annual fees for crossings are limited to 10% of the original crossing fee or $300, and railroads cannot charge annual fees without producing the original signed agreement; existing annual fees are frozen at 2024 levels

Railroads may only object to proposed crossings that pose a serious threat to safe operations, and disputes must be resolved through arbitration within specified timeframes

No crossing fees apply for replacement/upgrade of existing facilities, disused rail crossings, or extensions of utility service to railroad facilities; flagging expenses capped at $500/day and safety inspections at $170/hour

Applies to both existing crossings (prior to October 1, 2025) and new crossings, with immediate effective date upon passage and approval