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Committee approves measure to require motorists to stop for on-track railroad equipment
Summary
House Bill 160 would expand current crossing law to require motorists to stop and look for maintenance and other on-track equipment as well as trains; the committee gave HB160 a do-pass recommendation after unanimous support from rail labor and railroads.
The Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee gave House Bill 160 a do-pass recommendation after testimony from rail labor and railroad companies urging the change as a safety update.
Representative Lundstrom, sponsor of HB160, told the committee the bill amends the motor-vehicle code to require drivers to stop a specified distance from and look for "other on-track equipment"—machines used for maintenance that can resemble a train in size and stopping characteristics. Frank Franco, legislative director for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (Teamsters), said the bill is a "true safety bill" that responds to modern maintenance equipment that poses the same hazards as trains. "Not everyone is aware of on-track maintenance and construction machines that travel on the track infrastructure," Franco said.
Railroad companies supported the change. Robert Romero (BNSF) and J.D. Bullington (Union Pacific) told the committee the language aligns New Mexico with legislation in 39 other states and would clarify motorists’ responsibilities at crossings for large maintenance equipment and other on-track vehicles. Clem Harris, representing the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, also voiced support.
Committee members asked how violations would be enforced and whether additional signage or state costs would follow. Witnesses said enforcement would be handled by local law enforcement in the jurisdiction where a violation occurs; presenters and lobbyists told the panel the bill would not create a new cost for the Department of Transportation and that public education (operation Lifesaver-style outreach) would follow enactment.
The committee took a do-pass motion—moved by Vice Chair Lara and seconded by Representative Borrego—and then recorded each member's vote by roll call; the bill cleared the committee on a unanimous recorded vote.
Votes at the hearing: committee recommended do-pass and cleared HB160; roll call recorded unanimous approval.
