HB642 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Napoleon BracyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Transportation, rail carriers, Safe Freight Act, minimum crew requirements, provided

Summary

HB642 would require trains to have at least two crew members, with several exceptions and penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It would bar operating a train without a two-person crew and impose criminal penalties for violations. It creates multiple exceptions where fewer than two crew members are allowed, such as helper service, tourist trains, lite locomotives, yard work, or certain loading/unloading scenarios at low speeds. It authorizes the Alabama Public Service Commission to grant time-limited exemptions for small carriers after a hearing if it’s in the public interest and safe, and it maintains a separate requirement to have two crew members when transporting certain hazardous materials or large numbers of hazardous freight cars. The bill also notes that, although it would create a new cost for local governments, it is exempt from local-funding restrictions because it defines a new crime, and it becomes effective after a set period following passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Railroad carriers and train crews: must operate trains with at least two crew members; violations carry escalating fines and potential criminal penalties; can utilize specified exemptions for certain operations.
• Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) and railroad regulators: empowered to grant and oversee exemptions, require hearings, and ensure exemptions are in the public interest with annual review.

Key Provisions

• Section 2(a): trains may not be operated with fewer than two crew members; violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines: first conviction $250-$500, second within three years $500-$2,500, third or more within three years $2,500-$5,000.
• Section 2(b): enumerated exceptions where a train may operate with fewer than two crew members (helper service, tourist/excursion, lite locomotive, yard operations, and certain loading/unloading at 10 mph or less).
• Section 2(c): PSC may exempt a railroad carrier with not more than 15 employees from the two-person rule under limits (max speed 15 mph or less; track grade limits) after a full hearing, if the exemption is in the public interest and does not harm safety; exemptions are time-limited and reviewed annually.
• Section 2(d): a minimum of two crew members is still required when transporting poisonous inhalation materials or 20+ loaded freight cars, or hazardous materials listed in specified regulations.
• Section 3: the bill acknowledges it would require local funds but is exempt from local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime.
• Section 4: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Transportation