Requires every railroad corporation which operates any freight train within the state to submit quarterly reports to the department of transportation detailing such railroad corporation's inspections of any train yard and freight train operated in the state by such corporation; directs the department of transportation to conduct follow up inspections.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9625
SPONSOR: Eachus TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the railroad law, in relation to requiring certain rail-
road corporations to submit quarterly inspection reports to the depart-
ment of transportation
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Requires certain railroad corporations to submit quarterly inspection
reports of any train yards operated in the state to the department of
transportation.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the railroad law by adding a new section 109 to
require every railroad corporation that operates any freight train with-
in the state to submit quarterly reports to the department of transpor-
tation detailing the corporation's inspections of any train yard oper-
ated in the state by such corporation. Establishes that the department
of transportation shall conduct follow up inspections based upon the
content of, the report. Empowers the commissioner to promulgate any
rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.
Section 2. Effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
In the aftermath of the East Palestine freight train derailment, it is
clear the State must implement the necessary safety measures to ensure
railroad operational safety. This legislation requires every railroad
corporation that operates a freight train within the State to submit
quarterly reports to the Department of Transportation (DOT) detailing
the corporation's inspections of any trains located in train yards oper-
ated in the state. DOT is also required to conduct follow up inspections
based upon the content of the report and the Commissioner may establish
rules and regulations for the implementation of this plan. New York
State must prioritize the implementation of stricter standards for train
yard inspections to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
On the ninetieth day after it shall have become'a law. Effective imme-
diately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation
necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are
authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
9625
IN ASSEMBLY
March 26, 2024
___________
Introduced by M. of A. EACHUS -- read once and referred to the Committee
on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the railroad law, in relation to requiring certain rail-
road corporations to submit quarterly inspection reports to the
department of transportation
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The railroad law is amended by adding a new section 109 to
2 read as follows:
3 § 109. Freight rail yard inspections. 1. Every railroad corporation
4 which operates any freight train within the state shall submit quarterly
5 reports to the department of transportation detailing such railroad
6 corporation's inspections of any train yard and freight train operated
7 in the state by such corporation. The department of transportation shall
8 conduct follow up inspections based upon the content of such reports.
9 2. The commissioner shall promulgate any rules and regulations neces-
10 sary for the implementation of this section.
11 § 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall
12 have become a law; provided that this act shall be deemed repealed if
13 any federal agency determines in writing that this act would render New
14 York state ineligible for the receipt of federal funds or any court of
15 competent jurisdiction finally determines that this act would render New
16 York state out of compliance with federal law or regulation; and
17 provided that the commissioner of transportation shall notify the legis-
18 lative bill drafting commission upon any such determination in order
19 that the commission may maintain an accurate and timely effective data
20 base of the official text of the laws of the state of New York in furth-
21 erance of effectuating the provisions of section 44 of the legislative
22 law and section 70-b of the public officers law. Effective immediately,
23 the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces-
24 sary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are
25 authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10655-03-3
