AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY (Provides that no train or light engine would be used in connection with the movement of freight could be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least 2 persons, would also include the imposition of fines upon a company for violation of the act.)

H7608

2026 -- H 7608
========
LC005020
========

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS
GENERALLY

Introduced By:
Representative Matthew S. Dawson

Date Introduced:
February 11, 2026

Referred To:
House Corporations
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1
SECTION 1. Chapter 39-7 of the General Laws entitled "Operation of Railroads
2
Generally" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
3

39-7-13. Minimum crews required.

4

(a) No train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight may be
5
operated unless it has a crew consisting of at least two (2) persons. For the purposes of this section,
6
the phrase "train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight" shall not include
7
hostler service or utility employees.
8

(b) Any company, individual, or business entity that willfully violates this section may be
9
subject to a fine as follows:
10

(l) Not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), nor more than one thousand dollars
11
($1,000), for a first offense;
12

(2) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars
13
($5,000), for a second offense committed within three (3) years; and
14

(3) Not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), nor more than ten thousand dollars
15
($10,000), for a third offense and for subsequent offenses committed within a period of three (3)
16
years.

1
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
========
LC005020
========

LC005020 - Page 2 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS
GENERALLY
***
1
This act would provide that no train or light engine used in connection with the movement
2
of freight be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least two (2) persons. This act would
3
include the imposition of fines upon a company, individual or business entity for violation of the
4
act.
5
This act would take effect on October 1, 2026.
========
LC005020
========

LC005020 - Page 3 of 3