HF 4357

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/14/2024 03:41pm

A bill for an act
relating to railroads; establishing requirements on wayside detector systems;
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 [219.382] WAYSIDE DETECTOR SYSTEMS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Hazardous substance" has the meaning given in section 219.055, subdivision 1,
paragraph (e).
new text end

new text begin (c) "Wayside detector system" means one or more electronic devices that: (1) perform
automated scanning of passing trains, rolling stock, and on-track equipment to detect defects
or precursors to defects in equipment or component parts; and (2) provide notification to
individuals of a defect or precursor to a defect.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin The requirements in this section apply to:
new text end

new text begin (1) a Class I railroad; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a Class II railroad or Class III railroad when transporting a hazardous substance at
a speed that exceeds ten miles per hour.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Wayside detector system requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) A railroad must maintain
operational wayside detector systems located at intervals of:
new text end

new text begin (1) at least every ten miles of mainline track in the state; or
new text end

new text begin (2) at least every 15 miles of mainline track in the state if necessary due to the natural
terrain.
new text end

new text begin (b) A wayside detector system under this section must include a hot bearings detector
and a dragging equipment detector.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Defect notifications. new text end

new text begin Promptly after a wayside detector system provides a
notification regarding a defect, the railroad must:
new text end

new text begin (1) stop the train in accordance with the railroad's applicable safety procedures;
new text end

new text begin (2) inspect the location of the defect from a position on the ground;
new text end

new text begin (3) if the inspection indicates that the train is not safe for movement, make necessary
repairs prior to movement;
new text end

new text begin (4) if the inspection indicates that the train is safe for movement or if repairs are
performed under clause (3):
new text end

new text begin (i) proceed at a speed that does not exceed (A) 30 miles per hour if the train is not
transporting a hazardous substance, or (B) ten miles per hour if the train is transporting a
hazardous substance; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) remove and set out any defective car at the earliest opportunity; and
new text end

new text begin (5) provide for the train crew to prepare a written inspection report and submit it to the
appropriate personnel within the railroad.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Report to commissioner. new text end

new text begin By January 15 annually, a railroad that is subject to
this section must submit a report to the commissioner on wayside detector systems installed
in this state. At a minimum, the report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) an overview of each wayside detector system, which must include:
new text end

new text begin (i) its type and primary characteristics;
new text end

new text begin (ii) the nearest milepost number, latitude and longitude coordinates, or other information
that specifically identifies its location; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) a review of the operational status of the hot bearings detector and the dragging
equipment detector throughout the prior 12 months; and
new text end

new text begin (2) other information on wayside detector systems as required by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end