Railroads; prohibiting operation of trains exceeding a certain length. Effective date.

Oklahoma Senate Bill 597 prohibits railroad companies from operating trains longer than 8,500 feet or exceeding the length of the shortest siding or passing track on their route, including restrictions on blocking intersections for more than 10 minutes. It directly affects railroad operators in Oklahoma, imposing civil penalties of $500-$1,000 per foot for standard violations and up to $250,000 for gross negligence causing injury or death. Penalties are determined by the Transportation Commission considering violation severity, history, and financial impact, with funds deposited into the State Transportation Fund. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.