SB239 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Railroads, qualified employees required to operate railroad train in this state, criminal penalties

Summary

SB239 would require Alabama railroad trains to have at least two qualified crew members, with penalties for violations and exemptions for certain low-speed, excepted-track operations.

What This Bill Does

It would require every railroad train in Alabama to have at least two qualified employees on the crew and would create criminal penalties for willful violations. A 'qualified employee' must have completed the required training and testing under railroad rules and federal regulations. The bill also provides an exemption for certain trains operating on excepted tracks at speeds of 10 mph or less. It would take effect 30 days after the governor signs it, and it clarifies compatibility with federal regulations while noting local-funding requirements are not triggered by this bill.

Who It Affects

• Railroad companies operating trains in Alabama, who must ensure each train has two qualified employees on board and could face fines for violations.
• Railroad workers and potential new hires, who would need to complete the required training and testing to become qualified employees.

Key Provisions

• Requires every railroad train operated in Alabama to have a crew of at least two qualified employees.
• Defines 'qualified employee' as someone who has completed all training and testing required by the railroad and by Part 240, Chapter II, Subtitle B, of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Establishes criminal penalties for willful violations, with fines of $250 to $1,000.
• Exempts railroads operating on an excepted track (per 49 C.F.R. Section 213.9) with speeds of 10 miles per hour or less, under certain conditions.
• States that the act is excluded from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective 30 days after the governor signs the bill.

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

Subjects

Railroads