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

Whereas, trains run by remote control are operating in 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.__A railroad company operating within this State shall have at a minimum 5 employees on each of its trains travelling 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 railroad companies to operate each train with a minimum of 5 employees.