SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
enate Bill 139 (as introduced 3-2-23)
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Railroad Code to prohibit a railroad from operating a freight train or work train that was longer than 7,500 feet in the State. A railroad that violated this prohibition would be subject to a civil fine of up to $5,000.
Under the bill, "work train" would mean a train used by a railroad to perform non-revenue-generating functions, including transporting equipment, materials, and workers for constructing, maintaining, or repairing railroad tracks.
Proposed MCL 462.391a Legislative Analyst: Tyler P. VanHuyse
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could have a positive fiscal impact on the State and local units of government. The bill provides for the imposition of a civil fine for operating a freight train longer than 7,500 feet. Revenue collected from civil fines is used to support local libraries. Additionally, $10 of the civil fine would be deposited into the State Justice System Fund. This Fund supports justice-related activities across State government in the Departments of Corrections, Health and Human Services, State Police, and Treasury. The Fund also supports justice-related issues in the Legislative Retirement System and the Judiciary. The amount of revenue to the State or for local libraries is indeterminate and dependent on the actual number of violations.
Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell
Joe Carrasco, Jr.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.