HB426 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ronald Grantland

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Pat MooreCraig FordPatricia ToddOliver RobinsonThad McClammyRalph HowardJames O. GordonBarbara Bigsby BoydLaura HallTammy IronsJohn W. Rogers

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Railroads, standards of stationary assembly points and mobile labor camps for maintenance-of-way employees, established, drinking water provided, Board of Health to adopt rules for mobile camps, investigations, inspection fees, distrib.

Summary

HB426 would set minimum standards for stationary assembly points and mobile labor camps for railroad maintenance workers, require drinking water, and create health rules and inspection fees.

What This Bill Does

It requires railroad companies to meet specific housing and sanitation standards at stationary assembly points and mobile camps, including drinking water and basic amenities. It mandates the State Board of Health to adopt rules for mobile camps and establishes inspection fees paid to local health departments. It gives the Public Service Commission authority to investigate and order improvements if standards aren’t met, with enforcement and court processes as needed. It also outlines interim guidelines and an effective date for the new rules.

Who It Affects

• Railroad companies operating in Alabama and their maintenance-of-way employees, who must meet the new housing, sanitation, water, space, and safety standards and comply with inspections.
• Local and state health authorities (local health departments, the State Department of Public Health) and the Public Service Commission, who will enforce the rules, conduct inspections, collect fees, and oversee investigations and compliance.

Key Provisions

• Establishes standards for stationary assembly points and mobile labor camps, including housing, water, sanitation, and space requirements.
• Requires heated rooms at terminals/headquarters and adequate washbasins, showers, toilets, and lockers; requires potable water at assembly points and in mobile camps with proper sanitation.
• Imposes minimum floor space of 80 square feet per occupant on single beds and a maximum of four occupants per camp car; requires heat/AC, emergency equipment (weather radio, smoke and CO detectors), and posted evacuation instructions.
• Requires commissary/cook cars to have food-handling certification and adherence to food-handling guidelines.
• Requires notice to local health departments within two business days of mobile camp arrival and allows inspections by local health officials with railroad and union representatives present.
• Implements a structured inspection fee system based on occupant capacity, with fees paid to the local health department and deposited to the General Fund, and allows enforcement by local health officers.
• Authorizes the Public Service Commission to investigate noncompliance, hold hearings, and order necessary changes or improvements with timetables for compliance.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Railroads