SF 241: Relating to close-clearance warning devices along railroad tracks

What it does

Under current law, the owner of a railroad track is required to place a warning device at a location where the close clearance between the track and a building, machinery, trees, brush, or other object is such that the building, machinery, trees, brush, or other object physically impedes a person who is lawfully riding the side of a train in the course of the person’s duties in service to a railroad company from clearing the building, machinery, trees, brush, or other object. The warning device must be placed in a location which provides adequate notice to a person riding the side of a train so that the person may prepare for the close clearance.

Senate subcommittee · named February 15, 2023

• Sen. Tom Shipley (R) · tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. T. Taylor
• Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 8 against

For: Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; SMART-Transportation Division

Against: BNSF Railway Co.; Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad; Burlington Junction Railway; CN Rail; Davenport Industrial Railroad; Iowa Interstate Railroad; Patriot Rail (Keokuk Junction Railway); Union Pacific Railroad

In plain words

1. February 8, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Transportation committee
2. February 15, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Shipley, T. Taylor and Webster
3. February 23, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes