HB11 Alabama 2010 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul DeMarco

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2010

Title

Ethics Law, lobbying, definition to include activity with any branch of state government, maintenance of electronic database, mandatory ethics training for public officers or employees and lobbyists, certain representation by legislators prohibited, Sec. 36-25-1.5 added

Summary

HB11 would limit standing trains from blocking public railroad crossings to 10 minutes and create penalties and duties to move trains to clear crossings.

What This Bill Does

It makes it unlawful for a standing railroad train to obstruct a public crossing-at-grade for more than 10 minutes, and each additional 10-minute period becomes a separate offense. It imposes civil penalties on the railroad company for violations, up to $1,000 per violation. It requires train crews to immediately take reasonable steps to clear the crossing and to inform local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency vehicle operators, and to move the train in specified circumstances. It provides defenses for crews and employers if obstruction was necessary to follow employer orders and states the railroad remains liable for civil torts; acts of God, breakdowns, or vandalism can be defense.

Who It Affects

• Railroad companies or owners that operate trains; they would be liable for civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation and must take steps to clear crossings when required.
• Public and safety agencies (law enforcement, fire departments, rescue squads) and the traveling public; the public gains protection from long crossings, crews must inform agencies, and emergency responders can request crossing clearance.

Key Provisions

• Limit crossing obstruction to 10 minutes; after the initial 10 minutes, each additional 10-minute period is a separate offense.
• Railroad owners/companies are liable for civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation.
• Train crews must take reasonable steps to clear the crossing and inform local law enforcement, fire departments, and rescue squads; trains must be moved to clear the crossing under specified circumstances.
• Defenses include that crew members are not personally responsible if obstruction was necessary to comply with employer orders; the railroad remains liable for civil torts; acts of God, breakdowns, or vandalism can be a defense.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Ethics Commission