SF 349: Relating to required railway crossing signs, signals, and gate arms

What it does

15). In addition, every corporation constructing or operating a railway is required to make and construct at all points where such railway crosses any public road good, sufficient, and safe crossings and erect at such points, at a sufficient elevation from such road as to admit a free passage of vehicles of every kind, a sign with large and distinct letters placed thereon, to give notice of the proximity of the railway, and warn persons of the necessity of looking out for trains. This bill requires a railroad corporation constructing or operating a railway to erect at least two such signs, and install a sufficient number of gate arms, gate arm signals, and crossing signal lights designed to flash when a train approaches a crossing, to give notice of the proximity of the railway and warn persons of the necessity of looking out for trains.

Senate subcommittee · named February 22, 2023

• Sen. Tom Shipley (R) · tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Liz Bennett (D) · liz.bennett@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 10 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; Iowa Restaurant Association; Patriot Rail (Keokuk Junction Railway); Soo Line Railroad Company d/b/a Candian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC); Union Pacific Railroad

In plain words

1. February 21, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Transportation committee
2. February 22, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Shipley, Bennett and Webster
3. February 23, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. March 2, 2023Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 501