Pennsylvania requires two-person minimum crews on freight trains and establishes civil fines for violations

Original title: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in railroads, providing for crew requirement; and imposing penalties.

Last action · February 10, 2025: Referred to CONSUMER PROTECTION, TECHNOLOGY AND UTILITIES, Feb. 10, 2025Sponsors: SCHMITT and 6 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania legislation requires all s operating in the state to maintain a minimum crew of two individuals, consisting of one conductor and one locomotive engineer, with specific exemptions for yard operations and federal consistency. Railroads violating this rule face civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, with collected fines allocated to the Public Utility Commission for administration and enforcement.

Why it matters

Rail freight operators face new staffing mandates and escalating financial penalties for single-person operations, while rail workers gain statutory minimum crew protections across mainlines.

Background

Title 66 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes governs public utilities and is administered by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Railroads

Railroad operators must adjust train staffing models to ensure two-person crews on mainlines and face escalating civil penalties for non-compliance.

Directly affected

Conductors and Locomotive Engineers

Rail workers in these specific operating roles gain statutory staffing protections under state law.

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 minimum crew size required for freight trains under this bill?

s must operate with at least two individuals: one conductor and one locomotive engineer.

Are there any exceptions where a single-person or unmanned freight train is allowed?

Yes, exceptions apply to s operated within a repair, mechanical, or servicing facility and yard, as well as any other exceptions promulgated by the commission to maintain consistency with federal law or regulation.

What are the financial penalties for a railroad company that violates the crew requirement?

Fines range from $5,000 to $10,000 for a first offense, $10,000 to $15,000 for a second offense within three years, and $15,000 to $20,000 for third and subsequent offenses within three years.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Feb 10, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to CONSUMER PROTECTION, TECHNOLOGY AND UTILITIES, Feb. 10, 2025

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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