HB3743 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 11404 LNS 21492 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB3743

Introduced 2/18/2025, by Rep. Matt Hanson

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/22-101 new

Amends the School Code. Requires each school district to include in its handbook for grades kindergarten through 12 railroad safety messaging. Allows a school to opt-out of the messaging requirement if the school district votes that the inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 22-101 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/22-101 new)

Sec. 22-101. Railroad safety messaging.Each school district shall include in its handbook for grades kindergarten through 12 the following railroad safety messaging:

(1) Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

(2) Never walk down a train track; it is illegal and dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks, it is too late to stop even if the emergency brakes are activated.

(3) The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing, equipped with crossbucks, flashing red lights, or gates. Crossing anywhere else is trespassing, which can result in a ticket and fine.

(4) Do not cross tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train may be approaching when blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until both directors can be seen clearly.

(5) Flashing red lights signal that a train is approaching from either direction for which a fine can be charged for ignoring such signals. Never walk around lowered or be inside lowered gates at the crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the red lights stop flashing and it is safe to do so.

(6) Rails and recreation do not mix. A school may opt-out of this requirement if the school district votes that the inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary.