Sen. Tom Shipley

Maddy summarySF 40 requires railroad companies operating on railway branch lines to install and maintain defect detectors - devices that detect brake or axle issues and alert train crews - on all such lines. For branch lines over 15 miles long, detectors must be placed every 15 miles. Companies face penalties of $500-$5,000 for first violations (or $5,000-$10,000 for repeat offenses) if detectors are missing or malfunctioning on required segments. The bill applies directly to railroad companies and holds them jointly liable for detector maintenance on shared lines.

Maddy summarySF 38 requires large railroad carriers (class I and II, defined by federal revenue thresholds) operating passenger or freight trains in Iowa to use a minimum of two qualified crew members. Violations carry escalating fines: $500-$1,000 for a first offense, $500-$5,000 for a second, and $5,000-$10,000 for subsequent offenses within a three-year window. The bill directly affects major rail carriers meeting the federal revenue criteria (class I: over $1.05 billion annual revenue; class II: $47 million-$1.05 billion). It establishes specific penalties for operating trains with fewer than two crew members, focusing on safety compliance for passenger and freight rail operations.

Maddy summarySF 25 limits the maximum length of freight and work railroad trains operated in Iowa to 8,500 feet. This directly affects railway corporations that operate such trains within the state. Violating this limit results in fines of $500 to $5,000 per violation, as specified under existing Code section 327C.5. The bill amends Code section 327D.3 to establish this requirement and apply the existing penalty structure.

Maddy summarySF 112 would establish a new Iowa transactional currency backed by physical gold and silver stored in a state-approved depository. Individuals or other states could purchase the currency by paying for the equivalent amount of gold or silver (with fees), with each unit representing a specific fractional troy ounce of metal. Holders could redeem the currency for U.S. dollars (by selling the metal) or for physical gold/silver (by receiving the metal from the depository), and the treasurer of state would set security and fraud prevention rules. The bill directly affects currency buyers, the treasurer’s office, and approved depositories, but does not change existing state or federal currency laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires railroad companies in Iowa to install at least two large, clear warning signs and sufficient gate arms, flashing signals, and crossing lights at all railway crossings with public roads. It mandates that railroads cover all costs for these safety measures, including installation and maintenance, rather than sharing expenses with local governments. The law holds railroads liable for damages if they fail to comply, making them solely responsible for ensuring crossing safety. This directly affects railroad operators and impacts all public roadways intersecting with rail lines across Iowa.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 23) changes how costs for railroad grade crossings and related infrastructure are paid in Iowa. It requires railroad companies to cover 20% of repair costs for highway-railroad crossings, with highway authorities paying another 20%, and the remaining 60% coming from a dedicated fund. The bill also mandates railroads to build and maintain farm crossings on request (Section 327G.11) and pay for warning devices and track removal costs (Sections 327G.13 and 327G.24). These provisions directly affect railroad corporations, local highway authorities, and farmers who use private farm crossings.

Maddy summarySF 136 establishes new safety rules and requirements for hazardous liquid pipeline projects in Iowa. It allows counties to set stricter setback and safety standards than state or federal law, requires pipeline companies to disclose safety studies when applying for permits, and mandates they negotiate voluntary easements with landowners before seeking eminent domain rights (especially for liquefied CO2 pipelines). The bill also updates compensation rules for landowners, ensuring payment for crop damage and soil erosion caused by pipeline construction. Additionally, it requires pipeline companies to obtain all necessary local and state permits before construction and sets specific safety conditions for liquefied CO2 pipelines, including minimum burial depth.

Maddy summarySF 1 modifies Iowa's comparative fault rules for railway accident lawsuits. It states that if a freight or work train is 7,000 feet or longer and a jury determines the train's length contributed to an accident causing property damage, injury, or death, the railway corporation cannot reduce the claimant's damages based on the claimant's own fault. This applies specifically to cases involving excessively long trains where the train's length is a factor in the accident. The bill directly affects railway corporations facing lawsuits and claimants seeking full recovery in these specific accident scenarios.