Senate committee advances SB 1549 to clarify ID checks for train crews after crossings

The Senate Transportation, Technology & Legislative Affairs committee approved Senate Bill 1549 after a presentation and follow-up questioning about investigation and liability procedures at rail crossings. An unidentified presenter told the committee that "law enforcement's been asking for their driver's license, which is an inappropriate thing to ask for," and said the bill would clarify that investigators should request the federal identification that train operators carry.

Gerald Scottsdale III, legislative director for Smart Transportation, testified the group represents train crews in the state and described the bill as "simple," noting operator qualifications and that train crews have a federal ID tied to their role: "People who operate trains have a federal ID that's tied to being an operator of a train, and this is asking law enforcement to ask for that federal identification."

During questioning, Senator Hammer asked whether citations after a crossing would be issued by railroad police or by civilian law enforcement and whether the change would affect a citizen's right to bring a lawsuit. Senator Hammer said, "So us doing this will not alleviate any liability or the ability of a common citizen to be able to litigate against the railroad because there was not a ticketed citation." Gerald Scottsdale responded, "None whatsoever."

A motion on SB 1549 was made by Senator Pitch and seconded by Senator Hammer; the committee took a voice vote ('Aye') and the chair thanked the sponsor. The committee adjourned following completion of the day's business.