S. 8119 - Rail Safety Act of 2016

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to establish a program requiring coordinated biennial inspection of traffic-control signals interconnected with highway-rail at-grade crossing warning systems by railroads and municipalities.

• Establishes penalties for railroad companies operating as common carriers that violate Article Five of the Transportation Law: up to $5,000 for general violations and up to $15,000 for violations involving placarded hazardous materials freight cars.

• Aligns railroad bridge inspection requirements with federal regulations under 49 U.S.C. Part 237, replacing state-specific standards with federally-mandated inspection procedures, recordkeeping, and certification requirements.

• Increases criminal penalties for drivers who fail to obey railroad grade crossing signals and stop signs, with fines ranging from $150-$750 for first and second violations, and $750-$1,000 for third offenses within 18-30 month periods.

• Adds enhanced felony penalties for violations involving vehicles carrying passengers under 18, buses, school buses, hazardous materials, or resulting in accidents causing physical injury or death.