HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1516        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Kathleen R. LaNatra

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to 2-person train crew size.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1516        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act relative to 2-person train crew size.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Chapter 161C of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 8. (a) No train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight may be operated unless it has a crew consisting of at least 2 persons. For the purposes of this section, “train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight” shall not include hostler service or utility employees.

(b) A company who willfully violates this section may be subject to a fine of: (i) not less than $250 nor more than $1,000, for a first offense; (ii) not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000, for a second offense committed within 3 years; and (iii) not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000, for a third offense and subsequent offenses committed within 3 years.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025.