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Committee advances bill clarifying drivers must stop for 'on-track equipment' as well as trains
Summary
House Bill 1842 would add language to existing statute to require drivers to stop for trains and other on-track equipment; the sponsor said rail operators, unions and the state's Operation Lifesaver coordinator support the clarification and the committee passed it by voice vote.
House Bill 1842, presented to the Senate Transportation Committee by Representative Craig Christiansen (District 47), would add four words to current statute to make clear that drivers must stop not only for trains but also for other on-track equipment, such as maintenance or high-rail vehicles. Christiansen said the change would reduce confusion at crossings and improve public safety, noting that "railroad management, rail operating unions, maintenance [union] and our state coordinator of Operation Lifesaver are all on board with this."
Committee members asked whether any opposition existed and whether the state department identified as "RDOT" supported the bill; Christiansen said he had not heard of opposition. Christiansen characterized the measure as a safety clarification and said it would make the standard uniform across crossings.
Senator Tucker moved the committee motion and Senator English seconded; the committee approved the bill by voice vote with members saying "aye." The chair announced the bill had passed; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally.
