HB 2245 requires most non-short-line railroad operators in Oklahoma to maintain at least two crew members in the front train car's cab when they adopt a one-person crew policy, effective November 1, 2025. The law excludes short-line railroads and allows exceptions during switching, brake testing, safety inspections, or setouts. It directly affects railroad companies operating within Oklahoma that implement single-crew policies for mainline trains. The bill mandates this change without specifying safety outcomes, focusing solely on operational crew requirements.
SB 358 requires railroad operators on Oklahoma’s "main lines" (routes handling over 5 million tons of annual traffic) to install and maintain infrared hot bearings detectors every 10 miles along those tracks. These detectors identify overheating train components like bearings, axles, or wheels to prevent safety hazards. Violations carry fines of $1,000 to $5,000, enforceable by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The law, effective November 1, 2025, applies specifically to commercial freight rail operations, excluding tourist or scenic lines.
SB 353 prohibits railroad companies in Oklahoma from operating trains longer than 8,500 feet or exceeding the length of the shortest siding/track on any main or branch line, and limits how long trains can block intersections (no more than 10 minutes). It directly affects railroads operating in Oklahoma, particularly those using main lines or branch lines with specific track configurations. Violations incur fines starting at $500 per foot of excess length, with higher penalties up to $250,000 for repeated or grossly negligent violations causing harm. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission enforces these rules, and collected fines fund the state transportation budget.
HB 1914 requires railroads operating in Oklahoma on main or branch lines to carry physical copies of key safety documents, including a freight manifest, emergency response guide, and Federal Railroad Administration safety certification, for all trains. It mandates that conductors, engineers, and railroad staff must have tangible, non-electronic identification documents on hand during operations. Violations incur daily civil penalties of $2,500-$10,000, with potential fines up to $250,000 for gross negligence causing harm. The law, effective November 1, 2025, applies directly to railroads and their operating personnel within Oklahoma.
SB 75 requires railroad operators in Oklahoma to have at least two certified crew members (such as engineers or conductors) aboard freight trains while they are in motion. It excludes passenger/tourism trains, slow-moving trains (under 30 mph outside yards), helper service, hostler service, and low-speed loading/unloading. Violations carry fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $10,000 for repeat offenses within three years. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all freight rail operations within the state.
HB 2178 clarifies identification requirements for railroad employees following accidents or incidents in Oklahoma. It specifies that railroad workers (including FRA-certified conductors, engineers, and management) no longer need to show driver's licenses to law enforcement; instead, they may present their Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certification. The bill defines key terms like "railroad accident" and "FRA-certified" to establish this standard. This change directly affects railroad personnel involved in incidents, streamlining identification during emergency responses.
SB 1311 creates Oklahoma's "Railroad Crossing Transparency and Safety Accountability Act," requiring the Department of Transportation's Rail Programs Division to annually analyze statewide railroad crossing safety data. This includes collision history, train/traffic patterns, sight distances, and risk assessments. The Division must submit a detailed public report by February 1 each year to legislative leaders and committees, listing priority improvement projects, high-risk crossings, funding sources, and expenditures. The report must be publicly accessible online within 30 days, and the Division must present findings to transportation committees during legislative sessions. This bill directly affects state DOT operations and ensures transparency for the public and local governments regarding railroad safety efforts.
HB 2267 creates the "Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety Fund" to finance transportation infrastructure projects. It increases annual funding to $575 million for fiscal year 2021 and $650 million starting July 1, 2025, with $80 million allocated annually first to cover transportation debt payments before funding roads, bridges, and highways. The bill specifies that funds cannot replace existing state transportation budgets and requires annual audits to ensure money enhances (rather than supplants) current state funding. It also allocates $2 million yearly for the Heartland Flyer rail project and $3 million for public transit.
HB 1711 sets strict limits on driving hours for contract carriers transporting railroad employees in Oklahoma. It prohibits drivers from working more than 10 hours after 8 consecutive rest hours, 15 hours combined on-duty time, or 70 hours in a 7-day period, with a 2-hour emergency extension allowed. The bill requires carriers to maintain detailed time records and driver qualification files, disqualifies drivers with two serious traffic violations in three years (including DUIs, speeding over 15 mph, or leaving accident scenes), and mandates immediate alcohol/drug testing after accidents involving fatalities or injuries. It also requires pre-employment and post-accident testing with results reported to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
SB 340 requires railroad operators transporting freight in Oklahoma to carry physical copies of three specific items aboard every train: the cargo manifest, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook, and crew qualification identification cards. This applies directly to all railroad companies operating freight trains within the state. Violations result in fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $5,000 for a second offense within three years, and up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses. The law becomes effective November 1, 2025, and authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to issue citations for noncompliance.
