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Maryland Railway Safety Act hearing spotlights train‑blocking, wayside detection and two‑person crews
Summary
House Bill 958 would restrict how long trains can block grade crossings, limit maximum train length, require modern wayside detectors and strengthen hazardous‑material reporting to first responders, according to sponsor testimony on Feb. 20.
Delegate Stein (sponsor) presented House Bill 958, the Maryland Railway Safety Act of 2025, to the House Environment and Transportation Committee on Feb. 20, proposing several rail safety measures: (1) prohibit trains from blocking highway‑rail crossings for more than five minutes; (2) cap train length at 8,500 feet; (3) require wayside detector systems to be installed, operated, and maintained under U.S. Federal Railroad Administration guidance; (4) create reporting systems for hazardous materials movements to first responders; and (5) include a two‑person crew requirement that would take effect only if a federal requirement is revoked.
Sponsor testimony repeatedly referenced the February 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment and its public‑health consequences. "A provision in this bill would…
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