Whereas, continued safe, efficient and reliable rail service is essential to our State; and

Whereas, it has come to the attention of certain state officials that trains run by remote control are operating throughout parts of the United States; and

Whereas, to ensure the State's public safety and the well-being of its citizens, particularly those using rail service, it is essential that the issue addressed in this legislation receive prompt action; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 23 MRSA §7308, sub-§14 is enacted to read:

14.__Minimum number of employees.__Each railroad company or rail authority operating within this State is required to have, at a minimum, 5 employees located on each of its trains traveling on a railroad line within this State.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires all trains in the State to operate with a minimum of 5 railroad company or rail authority employees.