NY A06455

Rail operators must submit facility data and information to the State Emergency Management Agency and Department of Transportation within 180 days for a comprehensive risk assessment including facility functions, hazardous materials transported, storage locations, and current security plans.

All rail operators must implement a Community Protection Plan by 360 days after enactment that addresses sabotage and terrorism prevention, employee training, emergency response procedures, and communication protocols with local and state first responders.

Rail facilities within 15 miles of schools, hospitals, nursing homes, public utilities, or public safety facilities must conduct regular inspections, secure hazardous material storage, prevent unattended equipment operation, secure locomotive cabs, and control access to remote devices.

Department of Transportation has authority to order plan improvements and issue fines up to $50,000 per day for non-compliance; Community Protection Plans must be updated annually.

Employees are protected from discrimination for reporting violations and may seek up to $1 million in punitive damages; contractors, subcontractors, and other workers on rail facilities must undergo same training and background checks as rail operator employees.