1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to railroads; establishing requirements on wayside detector systems;
1.3 	proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 219.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. [219.382] WAYSIDE DETECTOR SYSTEMS.
1.6 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
1.7 	the meanings given.
1.8 	(b) "Hazardous substance" has the meaning given in section 219.055, subdivision 1, 
1.9 	paragraph (e).
1.10 	(c) "Wayside detector system" means one or more electronic devices that: (1) perform 
1.11 	automated scanning of passing trains, rolling stock, and on-track equipment to detect defects 
1.12 	or precursors to defects in equipment or component parts; and (2) provide notification to 
1.13 	individuals of a defect or precursor to a defect.
1.14 		Subd. 2.Application. The requirements in this section apply to:
1.15 	(1) a Class I railroad; and
1.16 	(2) a Class II railroad or Class III railroad when transporting a hazardous substance at 
1.17 	a speed that exceeds ten miles per hour.
1.18 		Subd. 3.Wayside detector system requirements. (a) A railroad must maintain 
1.19 	operational wayside detector systems located at intervals of:
1.20 	(1) at least every ten miles of mainline track in the state; or
2.1 	(2) at least every 15 miles of mainline track in the state if necessary due to the natural 
2.2 	terrain.
2.3 	(b) A wayside detector system under this section must include a hot bearings detector 
2.4 	and a dragging equipment detector.
2.5 		Subd. 4.Defect notifications. Promptly after a wayside detector system provides a 
2.6 	notification regarding a defect, the railroad must:
2.7 	(1) stop the train in accordance with the railroad's applicable safety procedures;
2.8 	(2) inspect the location of the defect from a position on the ground;
2.9 	(3) if the inspection indicates that the train is not safe for movement, make necessary 
2.10 	repairs prior to movement;
2.11 	(4) if the inspection indicates that the train is safe for movement or if repairs are 
2.12 	performed under clause (3):
2.13 	(i) proceed at a speed that does not exceed (A) 30 miles per hour if the train is not 
2.14 	transporting a hazardous substance, or (B) ten miles per hour if the train is transporting a 
2.15 	hazardous substance; and
2.16 	(ii) remove and set out any defective car at the earliest opportunity; and
2.17 	(5) provide for the train crew to prepare a written inspection report and submit it to the 
2.18 	appropriate personnel within the railroad.
2.19 		Subd. 5.Report to commissioner. By January 15 annually, a railroad that is subject to 
2.20 	this section must submit a report to the commissioner on wayside detector systems installed 
2.21 	in this state. At a minimum, the report must include:
2.22 	(1) an overview of each wayside detector system, which must include:
2.23 	(i) its type and primary characteristics;
2.24 	(ii) the nearest milepost number, latitude and longitude coordinates, or other information 
2.25 	that specifically identifies its location; and
2.26 	(iii) a review of the operational status of the hot bearings detector and the dragging 
2.27 	equipment detector throughout the prior 12 months; and
2.28 	(2) other information on wayside detector systems as required by the commissioner.

2.29 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2025.