Railroads - Safety Requirements (Maryland Railway Safety Act of 2025)

SB 855, the Maryland Railway Safety Act of 2025, establishes new safety rules for railroads operating in Maryland. It requires freight trains to have at least two crew members, limits how long trains can block grade crossings (to 5 minutes), and caps train length at 8,500 feet on main or branch lines. The bill also creates a state reporting system for hazardous materials transport by rail and mandates railroads to install wayside detectors that scan for equipment defects like overheating wheels or shifted loads. These provisions directly apply to railroad companies operating in Maryland, focusing on operational safety standards rather than broader policy changes.