H.B. No. 371 Summary

• Requires all trains and light engines used for freight movement to have crews consisting of at least two individuals.

• Prohibits railroad superintendents, trainmasters, and other employees from ordering or requiring freight trains to be operated with fewer than two crew members.

• Excludes hostler service and utility employees from the two-person crew requirement.

• Establishes civil penalties for violations: $250–$1,000 for first violation, $1,000–$5,000 for second violation within three years, and $5,000–$10,000 for third or subsequent violations within three years.

• Directs the Attorney General, upon request of the Public Utilities Commission, to collect penalties, with all revenue deposited into the public utilities fund.