OH HB186

Requires railroad companies to construct walkways adjacent to tracks in rail yards where employees frequently perform switching activities, with standards including minimum 2-foot width, uniform surfaces, and specific cross-slope requirements.

Mandates railroad companies illuminate rail yards according to standards established by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

Requires freight trains and light engines to be operated with crews consisting of at least two individuals, with civil penalties ranging from $250 to $10,000 for willful violations depending on prior offense history.

Prohibits railroad companies from obstructing public streets, roads, or highways for longer than 5 minutes, with a 3-minute gap required between obstructions; creates $5,000 civil penalty for obstructions that delay emergency vehicles responding to persons or property in danger.

Establishes railroad grade crossing improvement funds in counties and municipal corporations to receive fines and civil penalties from violations, to be used for crossing improvements and safety devices.