SJR68 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Commission on Railway Safety, established

Summary

SJR68 creates the Alabama Commission on Railway Safety to study rail safety and highway crossing issues and to make recommendations, with a deadline to report and dissolve.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a new commission to review current railroad safety laws and highway traffic flow, and to propose improvements, including new technology, better traffic flow, grade separation, and potentially increased funding for the DOT's Section 130 Program. The commission is made up of state agency leaders, law enforcement, fire services, local government representatives, railroad industry members, and Operation Lifesaver, with efforts to ensure diverse membership. It must report its findings to the Legislature by early 2018 and then be dissolved; it also sets deadlines for appointments and meetings and requires staff support from the House and Senate, while allowing reimbursement of expenses for members.

Who It Affects

• General public and road users in Alabama would benefit from improved safety at railroad crossings and smoother highway traffic flow as a result of the commission's work.
• Railroad industry, rail-related associations, and state/local government agencies and emergency services that participate on the commission or are affected by its recommendations and any new safety measures or funding decisions.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Commission on Railway Safety to study and recommend improvements to railway safety, traffic flow, grade separation, and funding for the DOT's Section 130 Program.
• Sets membership to include key state agencies, law enforcement, fire services, local government groups, railroad industry representatives, and Operation Lifesaver, with specific appointment rules and officer roles.
• Requires diverse membership across race, gender, geography, urban/rural areas, and economic backgrounds.
• Tasks the commission with reviewing current laws/regulations and proposing legislative changes to improve safety at highway-rail crossings and overall railway safety.
• Appoints members within 30 days of the act and holds first meeting by August 1, 2017; assigns officer elections and scheduling for future meetings.
• Provides staff support from the House and Senate; members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
• Directs the commission to submit its findings to the Legislature no later than the fifth legislative day of the 2018 Regular Session and then be dissolved.

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