Amends existing law to provide for certain on-track equipment on railroad tracks.
TRANSPORTATION -- Amends existing law to provide for certain on-track equipment on railroad tracks.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Under Idaho’s current Vehicle Code statutes, a motorist is responsible to stop so many feet away from a crossing when a "train" is approaching; "on-track equipment" is not mentioned. Modern on-track maintenance equipment has evolved into “train like” machines that present the same dangers as a train. This legislation adds the language “or other on-track equipment” into Idaho’s Vehicle Code statute anywhere it delineates a motorist’s responsibilities at a railroad crossing or when a “train” is present. This legislation is a simple bi-partisan rail safety effort supported by the railroad carriers, rail safety advocates, rail labor and railroad contractors. There has been no opposition because this is a public safety issue. Twenty-eight states have already passed this legislation and an additional seven states are in the process of passing it.
HOW THEY VOTED
Senate Third Reading
YEA (34)
NAY (0)
ABSENT / NOT VOTING (1)
House Third Reading
YEA (68)
NAY (0)
ABSENT / NOT VOTING (2)
LATEST ACTION
Session Law Chapter 168 Effective: 07/01/2021
BILL INFO
- Session
- 2021
- Chamber
- senate
- Status date
- Apr 9, 2021