SJR31 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Commission on Railway Safety, Governor urged to establish

Summary

SJR31 urges the Governor to create a 15‑member Alabama Railroad Safety Commission to review railroad safety laws and procedures and recommend improvements, including new technology, to protect public safety.

What This Bill Does

If adopted, this resolution would lead to the Governor establishing a 15-member commission to annually review Alabama's railroad safety laws, regulations, and procedures and to propose necessary changes. It emphasizes adopting innovative technology to enhance safety and requires cooperation from state agencies in pursuing these safety goals.

Who It Affects

• State agencies (Public Service Commission, Department of Transportation, Emergency Management Agency, Law Enforcement Agency, State Fire Marshal) that would participate on the commission or collaborate with it
• Railroad industry interests and the Alabama Railway Association, represented on the commission by governor-appointed members
• Law enforcement, fire service, and municipal/county officials in areas with rail crossings, who may have representation on the commission or involvement in safety decisions
• The general public and railroad workers who benefit from improved railway safety and reduced risks at crossings

Key Provisions

• Urge the Governor to establish a 15-member Alabama Railroad Safety Commission to annually review current railroad safety laws, regulations, and procedures and to recommend and advance necessary changes, including the use of innovative technology, to promote public railway safety.
• Commission membership includes: (1) President of the Public Service Commission or designee; (2) Director of the Alabama Department of Transportation or designee; (3) Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency or designee; (4) Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or designee; (5) Alabama State Fire Marshal or designee; (6) President of the Alabama Sheriff's Association may appoint up to two sworn law enforcement officers from rail-crossing areas; (7) President of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police may appoint up to two sworn law enforcement officers from rail-crossing areas; (8) President of the Alabama Firefighters Association may appoint up to two firefighters from rail-crossing areas; (9) General Counsel for the Alabama League of Municipalities or designee; (10) Executive Director of the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama or designee; (11) Two members appointed by the Governor (one representing the railroad industry and one representing the Alabama Railway Association).
• All state agencies are urged to cooperate fully with the commission, and a copy of the resolution should be provided to the Governor.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative