SRC-JBJ C.S.S.B. 1098 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1098
76R6580 WP-DBy: Cain
State Affairs
5/12/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, statutes relating to the operation and regulation of a train in
the state require a full crew.  A full crew consists of a specific number
of persons per train.  The types of trains may be freight, gravel, or
construction trains and light engines.  This bill would change certain crew
requirements for the trains and would require a qualified engineer to
operate a control locomotive at any time the locomotive is in motion.  This
bill also authorizes a qualified railroad trainman to dismount the train to
perform necessary job duties, and establishes the qualifications for that
engineer and railroad trainman.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1098 amends crew requirements for certain railroad
trains. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 6380, V.T.C.S., to provide that a qualified
person is an engineer or railroad trainman if the person has successfully
completed a railroad carrier's training program applicable to the
appropriate position and passed an examination on railroad operating rules.
Prohibits a mixed train and work train from operating outside its yard.
Includes a qualified railroad trainman and engineer as a member in a full
crew of a construction train that is prohibited from operating outside the
yard with less than a full crew.  Prohibits the provisions of this article
from being applied to certain service or repair tracks.  Requires the
control locomotive to be operated by a qualified engineer at any time the
locomotive is in motion.  Authorizes the qualified railroad trainman to
dismount the train to perform necessary job duties, including rail
switching activities.  Provides that nothing in this article shall prevent
the railroads from operating with crews consisting of more than two
persons.  Provides that this article applies to all trains operated in the
state to the extent that it does not conflict with federal law. Deletes
language that prohibits these provisions from applying to certain crews.
Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.