RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia legislator is re-introducing regulations that would require two-person crews, cap train lengths, and limit the amount of time trains could block grade crossings in the commonwealth’s House of Delegates.
HB385 is sponsored by Delegate Shelly A. Simonds (D-Newport News). It will formally be introduced on Wednesday, Jan. 10. It would set a maximum train length of 8,500 feet; would set penalties starting at $100 for blocking grade crossings for more than 5 minutes, increasing to $500 plus $100 for each additional minute beyond five minutes that a crossing is blocked; and would have escalating penalties of up to $10,000 for violations of the two-person-crew provision.
Other provisions allow for fines of $250,000 for “a grossly negligent violation or pattern of violations that caused an imminent threat of death or injury;” and prohibit railroads from placing cars within 1,500 feet of a grade crossing.
WRIC-TV reports a similar bill was rejected by the House of Delegates last year, when it had a Republican majority; this year, both houses of Virginia’s legislature have narrow Democratic majorities and Simonds told the station she expects a “more favorable outcome.” Even if it passes the legislature, it would still have to be signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican.
After reading this article (and the futile intent of the proposed legislation), I am reminded of a quote from an old boss of mine who noted that “… the legislature is the dumping ground for the terminally unemployable….”
So true ….
Unenforceable, posturing, and a waste of valuable legislative time. Children at play.
Pathetic.
No cars within 1,500 feet of a crossing? How about w also apply this to highway intersections? No vehicles parked within 1,500 feet of an intersection. Absurd.
While what Ron and Steve says is true. If enough states pass these laws, it sends a message to federal legislators who can impose enforcible regulation. Of course the state legislators have to directly lobby their Federal reps, once they pass these bills– and I am doubtful that happens except on issues they find more important.
Virginia seems like a Commonwealth that doesn’t need railroads. If this passes, railroads shouldn’t protest or challenge. Just pull-up the tracks, scrap the bridges, and clear-cut the facilities. Leave no trace as the environmentalists say.
Do any of these “legislators” pay any attention whatsoever to legal precedent? How many states have tried and failed, federal regulations superseding any state laws. Political posturing in an election year- give up already and move on!
Even if it passes legislature, it won’t matter…Federal railroad regulations supersede these politicians wishes. Time and time again, wasted taxpayer money.
They have to do something to show their constitutes they are doing something even if it is ineffective…