House Sponsors: FANTIN-HOLBROOK-DART-BLACK-MOFFITT, HOFFMAN AND LANG. Short description: VEH CD-RAILROAD SAFETY Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. In provisions regarding safety requirements for railroad operations, prohibits the operation of trains in Illinois by remote control. Places restrictions on the minimum number of persons required to operate a locomotive and their qualifications and duties. Provides that any person who violates these rules may be fined not less than $500 but not more than $1,000 for the first offense, not less than $1,000 but not more than $2,000 for a second offense committed within 3 years of the first offense, not less than $2,000 but not more than $5,000 for a third offense committed within 3 years of the first offense, and $10,000 for a fourth or subsequent offense committed within 3 years of the first offense. Effective immediately. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Changes the definition of "rail carrier" to mean any form of nonhighway ground transportation that runs on rails or electromagnetic guideways, not including rapid transit operations in an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system. Provides that "remote control" does not (1) include the use of, testing of, or reliance upon any train control device, signal, radio, or computer used to enhance the safety of rail operations by allowing remote observation or monitoring of train location and operation; (2) include devices used to interface train operators with protective or warning devices at grade crossings with public roads; or (3) include a train consist that is operated by a control cab that is not a power unit. Makes other changes. PENSION NOTE, AMENDED No fiscal impact on public pension funds or retirement systems. STATE MANDATES FISCAL NOTE, H-AM 1 HB 2667 fails to create a State mandate. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 2. Redefines "rail carrier" to include an exception for rapid transit operations in an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation. Provides an exception to the definition of "remote control" when used on non-revenue trains moving between terminals and servicing areas. FISCAL NOTE, H-AMS 1 & 2 (Dpt. Transportation) No immediate fiscal impact because of the current 3-year agree- ment with Amtrak; future agreements could cause operating sub- sidies to increase by an uncertain amount. STATE MANDATES ACT FISCAL NOTE, H-AM 2 Creates a "personnel mandate" requiring 100% reimbursement. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 99-01-12 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 2 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status