A Kentucky House bill concerning railroad crossings that has a local connection passed the chamber this week.
House Bill 311 would require railroad companies to clear obstructive vegetation along public railroad-highway grade crossings.
According to a release from the Kentucky House Majority Caucus, 10th District Representative Josh Calloway and 27th District Representative Nancy Tate are the primary sponsor and cosponsor on the legislation, which was introduced to the House Committee on Committees on January 12 before being sent to the Transportation Committee. The bill passed on its third reading with a 93 to 1 vote.
Under the terms of the bill, railroad companies would be required to “destroy or remove plants, trees, brush, or other obstructive vegetation along the tracks at each public railroad-highway grade crossing for 250 feet in each direction.” If the railroad company fails to remove the vegetation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or local government will be allowed to send a 30-days notice for removal, after which the KYTC or local government can remove the vegetation and bill the railroad company. Requirements concerning private property and a waiver process are included in the bill.
When Calloway and Tate presented the bill to the Transportation Committee, they were joined by Vine Grove resident Tanya Serna, whose son Hunter was killed in 2020 “when a train struck the car he was riding in at a railroad crossing with overgrown vegetation that obstructed visibility.” Serna has been advocating for legislation to improve safety and prevent similar tragedies.
The bill now heads to the Kentucky Senate. Learn more on the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission’s website.
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