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

S2913

2026 -- S 2913
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LC005885
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS
GENERALLY

Introduced By:
Senators Vargas, Famiglietti, Patalano, Urso, Thompson, and Murray

Date Introduced:
March 04, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Housing & Municipal Government
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 39-7 of the General Laws entitled "Operation of Railroads
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Generally" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
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39-7-13. Minimum crews required.

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(a) No train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight may be
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operated unless it has a crew consisting of at least two (2) persons. For the purposes of this section,
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the phrase "train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight" shall not include
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hostler service or utility employees.
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(b) Any company, individual, or business entity that willfully violates this section may be
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subject to a fine as follows:
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(l) Not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), nor more than one thousand dollars
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($1,000), for a first offense;
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(2) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars
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($5,000), for a second offense committed within three (3) years; and
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(3) Not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), nor more than ten thousand dollars
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($10,000), for a third offense and for subsequent offenses committed within a period of three (3)
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years.

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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS
GENERALLY
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This act would provide that no train or light engine used in connection with the movement
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of freight be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least two (2) persons. This act would
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include the imposition of fines upon a company, individual or business entity for violation of the
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act.
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This act would take effect on October 1, 2026.
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LC005885
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