Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

HF 4129

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/21/2018 12:03pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
Line numbers 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13
2.14

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; modifying the state rail safety inspection program;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 219.015, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 219.015, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Positionsdeleted text end new text begin Programnew text end established;new text begin inspector powers andnew text end duties.

(a) The
commissioner of transportation deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end establish deleted text begin threedeleted text end new text begin anew text end state rail safety deleted text begin inspector positions
in the Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations of the Minnesota Department
of Transportation. On or after July 1, 2015, the commissioner may establish a fourth state
rail safety inspector position following consultation with railroad companies
deleted text end new text begin inspection
program consisting of up to six positions, which may include state rail safety inspectors and
a program supervisor
new text end . The commissioner shall apply to and enter into agreements with the
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the United States Department of Transportation
to participate in the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program deleted text begin for training and
certification of an inspector
deleted text end new text begin to train and certify inspectorsnew text end under authority of United States
Code, title 49, sections 20103, 20105, 20106, and 20113, and Code of Federal Regulations,
title 49, part 212.

(b) A state rail safety inspector deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin may:
new text end

new text begin (1)new text end inspect mainline track, secondary track, and yard and industry track;

new text begin (2)new text end inspect railroad right-of-way, including adjacent or intersecting drainage, culverts,
bridges, overhead structures, and traffic and other public crossings;

new text begin (3)new text end inspect yards and physical plants;

new text begin (4) inspect train equipment;
new text end

new text begin (5) inspect railroad operations;
new text end

new text begin (6)new text end review and enforce safety requirements;

new text begin (7)new text end review maintenance and repair records; and

new text begin (8)new text end review railroad security measures.

(c) A state rail safety inspector may perform, but is not limited to, the duties described
in the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program. An inspector may train, be certified,
and participate in any of the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program disciplines,
including: track, signal and train control, motive power and equipment, operating practices
compliance, hazardous materials, and highway-rail grade crossings.

(d) To the extent delegated by the Federal Railroad Administration and authorized by
the commissioner, an inspector may issue citations for violations of this chapter, or to ensure
railroad employee and public safety and welfare.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end