HF 3499

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/11/2024 04:34pm

A bill for an act
relating to railroads; establishing a maximum train length; providing for penalties;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 219.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [219.5505] TRAIN LENGTH.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "railroad" means a common
carrier that is classified by federal law or regulation as a Class I railroad, Class I rail carrier,
Class II railroad, Class II rail carrier, Class III railroad, or Class III rail carrier.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Maximum length. new text end

new text begin A railroad must not operate a train in this state that has a
total length in excess of 8,500 feet.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Penalty. new text end

new text begin (a) A railroad that violates this section is subject to a penalty of:
new text end

new text begin (1) not less than $1,000 or more than $5,000 for a first offense;
new text end

new text begin (2) not less than $5,000 or more than $10,000 for a second offense committed within
three years of the first offense; and
new text end

new text begin (3) not less than $25,000 for a third or subsequent offense committed within three years
of the first offense.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of transportation may enforce this section in a civil action before
a judge of a county in which the violation occurs.
new text end

new text begin (c) Fines collected under this section must be deposited in the state rail safety inspection
account in the special revenue fund.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to violations
committed on or after that date.
new text end