Senator Ellis proposes Maryland Railway Safety Act to enhance freight train safety regulations

In a significant move towards enhancing railroad safety, Senator Arthur Ellis presented the Maryland Railway Safety Act of 2025 (SB 855) during a recent Finance Committee session. This proposed legislation aims to bolster safety measures for both railroad employees and communities across Maryland, addressing growing concerns about hazardous materials transported by freight trains.

Senate Bill 855 introduces new safety requirements that expand existing protections for railroad workers. Notably, it mandates penalties for railroad companies that violate safety policies and requires that certain trains operate with a minimum of two crew members. This provision is particularly crucial, as it aims to prevent incidents similar to the tragic 2013 Lac-Mégantic disaster in Canada, where a single-person crew led to a catastrophic derailment.

The bill also includes a vital reporting requirement for hazardous materials transported by freight trains. Under this legislation, railroads must inform the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about the transport of hazardous substances. This requirement responds to findings from a CBS News investigation revealing that local officials often lack knowledge about the hazardous materials passing through their communities, which can pose serious risks in emergencies.

Testimonies from various stakeholders, including train conductors and safety advocates, highlighted the urgency of these measures. Randy Martz, a train conductor, emphasized that the bill's provisions could alleviate public safety issues at grade crossings, where long trains often block traffic and hinder emergency responders. He noted that children have been seen climbing under stationary trains, underscoring the potential dangers.

Tom Cahill, a locomotive engineer, pointed to the East Palestine, Ohio derailment as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate safety measures. He urged the committee to adopt the bill to ensure Maryland's railroads implement modern monitoring systems to prevent similar disasters.

However, the bill has faced opposition from railroad companies, including CSX and Norfolk Southern, which argue that many of the proposed regulations are already covered by federal laws. They caution that the new state regulations could create operational challenges and unintended consequences, particularly concerning train length and blocking crossings.

Despite the pushback, supporters of SB 855 argue that the legislation is necessary to prioritize safety over corporate interests. They assert that Maryland has the opportunity to lead in rail safety by adopting these proactive measures.

As the committee deliberates, the outcome of this bill could have lasting implications for the safety of Maryland's railroads and the communities they traverse. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to address concerns raised by both supporters and opponents of the legislation.