Railroads; requiring certain railroad trains to have two crew members aboard. Effective date.
SB75 would create a new section of Oklahoma law requiring freight trains operating in the state to have at least two certified crew members aboard while the train is in motion. The bill defines “certified crew member” to include a certified engineer or conductor, and it also defines “helper service” and “hostler service” for purposes of the new law.
The bill includes several exemptions. It would not apply to passenger or tourist trains, certain low-speed locomotives attached only to a caboose, helper service, hostler service, or trains moving at very low speeds for loading or unloading freight. The measure is set to take effect July 1, 2025, and contains an emergency clause stating it is necessary for public peace, health, or safety.
SB75 would add a new railroad crew-size requirement to Title 66 of the Oklahoma Statutes, giving the Department of Public Safety authority to issue citations for violations. Freight rail operators would face civil fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 for a first offense, $1,000 to $5,000 for a second offense within three years, and $5,000 to $10,000 for a third or subsequent offense within three years. The bill would primarily affect freight railroad companies operating in Oklahoma, while carving out several operational exceptions for passenger, tourist, maintenance, and low-speed yard-related movements.
The available context shows limited formal debate and no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts, so there is no detailed public record of support or opposition in the materials provided. The bill’s introduction and emergency clause suggest the sponsor viewed the measure as important for immediate safety reasons. Its referral to the Aeronautics and Transportation committee indicates it was being considered as a transportation safety and labor-related regulation.
The main point of contention likely concerns whether Oklahoma should mandate two-person crews on freight trains, a requirement often debated in terms of rail safety, operational flexibility, and labor costs. Supporters would likely emphasize safety, emergency response, and oversight, while opponents may argue the rule is unnecessary, costly, or preempted by federal regulation. The bill’s exemptions for certain low-speed, helper, hostler, and tourist operations suggest an attempt to narrow the mandate and reduce burdens on specialized rail activity.