The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Wyoming Bill Proposes Train Length Limits, Mandatory Wayside Detectors, and Track Inspections
Last action · February 10, 2026: H Failed Introduction 14-47-1-0-0Sponsors: Ken Chestek and 2 others
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
What This Bill Proposed
Legislation introduced in Wyoming sets a maximum train length of 8,500 feet, mandates wayside defect detectors every ten miles, and requires bi-weekly visual track inspections, backed by civil penalties and state funding starting July 1, 2026.
The measure establishes mandatory safety equipment and operational rules for railroad companies operating in Wyoming, imposing steep civil penalties for violations and allocating $300,000 for state administrative oversight.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
railroad companies
Railroad companies must comply with train length limits, install and maintain wayside detectors, conduct frequent visual track inspections, submit annual reports, and face substantial civil penalties for violations.
train operators
Train operators receive required training on wayside detectors, file shift reports on alerts and detector status, and must follow specific remediation and reporting protocols.
department of transportation
The department receives safety reports, enforces civil penalties with the attorney general, assesses penalty factors, and manages newly authorized personnel positions funded by the state appropriation.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum permitted train length under this bill?
How often must wayside detectors be installed on main lines?
What are the inspection requirements for main line tracks?
Who must submit the annual safety report to the state?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Failed in the House.
Procedural history
3 actions- Feb 10, 2026HouseH Failed Introduction 14-47-1-0-0
- Feb 9, 2026HouseH Received for Introduction
- Feb 6, 2026Bill Number Assigned
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
State-Level Rail Regulation Initiative
The bill attempts to establish direct state-level mandates on train lengths and wayside detector spacing in Wyoming, complementing existing federal regulations.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.wyoleg.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 65)
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools