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PA HB1191
Bill
Status
4/15/2025
Primary Sponsor
Robert Matzie
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AI Summary
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Railroad blocking of highway grade crossings that delays emergency vehicles for more than 5 minutes is prohibited, with a $10,000 civil penalty per violation
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Freight and work trains on main tracks or branch lines in Pennsylvania are limited to a maximum length of 8,500 feet
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Freight trains and light engines must be operated by a crew of at least two individuals, with escalating civil penalties from $1,000-$25,000 for willful violations; Class II and III railroads are exempt
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Collective bargaining representatives and state directors for railroad employee crafts are authorized to monitor railroad safety practices, conduct investigations on railroad property, and accompany the commission during inspections without being charged with trespassing
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The Public Utility Commission must certify wayside detector systems on Class IV or greater tracks, conduct a study on hazardous materials transportation regulations within 90 days, and create a secure reporting system for hazardous materials transport accessible only to emergency management agencies
Legislative Description
In railroads, providing for prohibition on blocking of crossings, for limitation on length of freight or work trains, for authorization to monitor safety practices and operations by collective bargaining representatives, for safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, for wayside detector systems, for study of transportation of hazardous materials or waste and for reporting system for transportation of hazardous materials or waste; and imposing penalties.
Last Action
Laid on the table
12/16/2025