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Committee advances rail-safety cleanup bill after divided testimony over Office of Rail Safety
Summary
Senate Bill 253, a cleanup measure that repeals some provisions from prior rail-safety laws while retaining an ombudsman post, passed the committee after supporters, including Union Pacific and UDOT, said collaboration had improved and critics urged keeping a standalone Office of Rail Safety.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Senate Natural Resources committee voted to favorably recommend Senate Bill 253 to the full Senate, a bill described by the sponsor as a cleanup of prior rail-safety legislation and an update of state railroad‑related responsibilities.
Senator Harper, the bill sponsor, said SB 253 repeals selected provisions from 2023 laws (Senate Bill 61 and House Bill 63) while preserving an Office of the Rail Safety Ombudsman and clarifying Department of Agriculture roles related to livestock incidents. He said prior delays and phased implementation led sponsors and railroad operators to renegotiate statutory responsibilities.
Nathan Anderson, representing Union Pacific, testified in support and described recent company efforts to improve communications and coordination with state and local governments; UDOT Deputy Director Lisa Wilson said keeping an ombudsman in state government has worked to get information to the right people and that the Federal Railroad Administration has increased its presence in Utah.
Railroad workers and union representatives urged the committee not to repeal the Office of Rail Safety, saying a dedicated state office provides an important independent safety check. Daniel Brewer of Smart Transportation and other rail employees said state-level inspection capacity complements federal inspectors and asked lawmakers to retain a robust inspection role.
Sponsor and supporters said the bill keeps the ombudsman role and that portions of the Office of Rail Safety were never staffed; Senator Hinkins moved favorable recommendation, and the committee passed SB 253. Committee discussion noted continuing oversight and reporting requirements and that the railroad industry had provided commitments to improve operations since 2023 legislation.
