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House approves bill to require heaters in railroad maintenance vehicles during winter
Summary
The House passed HB 307 after adopting a time‑limited amendment to require heaters and safety equipment be used from Nov. 1 to March 31; sponsor said heaters reduce cold-weather hazards for track workers; final House tally was 53–3.
Salt Lake City — House members moved unanimously on a safety bill requiring railroads to install heaters and related safety equipment in tracked maintenance vehicles, then approved a time‑limited amendment and passed the bill 53–3.
Representative Ray Nielsen, sponsor of House Bill 3 07, described hazardous conditions track maintenance workers face when operating small tracked vehicles in subzero temperatures and said heaters can prevent frost‑induced loss of dexterity and falls. He characterized the measure as a public‑safety and personnel‑safety bill.
Representative Vincent Wharton offered a friendly floor amendment to limit the heater requirement to periods when the equipment is in use between Nov. 1 and March 31; the amendment was adopted on the floor. Supporters described the change as a practical improvement that helps both employees and management.
After the amendment was adopted, the House voted to pass the bill; the clerk recorded 53 yes votes and 3 no votes. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
