BILL ANALYSIS
AB 962
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 962 (Nunez)
As Amended September 2, 2005
Majority vote
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|ASSEMBLY: |72-6 |(May 31, 2005) |SENATE: |26-13|(September 7, |
| | | | | |2005) |
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Original Committee Reference: U. & C.
SUMMARY : Imposes safety requirements on a railroad corporation
regarding signage, markers, flagging systems and the operation
of remote control locomotives.
The Senate amendments :
1)Delete provisions creating specific rules on when a railroad
corporation shall display specified flags and instead requires
railroad corporations to utilize flagging systems consistent
with federal law.
2)Delete a provision prohibiting a railroad corporation from
leaving a train with hazardous materials unattended.
3)Amend a requirement that a railroad corporation notify the
California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of accidents
consistent with federal law and instead requires railroad
corporations to notify the Office of Emergency Services of
those accidents.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill:
1)Prohibited a railroad corporation from leaving a train
containing hazardous materials unattended outside of its
terminal property, or permitting such a train to cross a grade
crossing unattended.
2)Codified various railroad corporation operating regulations
governing the placement of signage, markers, and flagging
systems on railroad lines.
3)Required a railroad corporation to notify the California
Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the collective
AB 962
Page 2
bargaining representative of any affected employee of any new
utilization of remote control locomotives (RCLs).
4)Required a railroad corporation to immediately notify the PUC
of certain accidents, incidents and other events required by
the Code of Federal Regulations.
FISCAL EFFECT : Minor absorbable costs.
COMMENTS : The purpose of this bill is to enhance public safety
and the safety of rail workers by codifying the industry's
operating rules and by requiring enhanced safety measures when
hazardous materials are present. The author cites recent train
derailments and reports of hazardous material left unattended
for extended periods of time as evidence of the need for greater
safety requirements.
This bill requires a railroad corporation to notify both PUC and
collective bargaining representative of any affected employee of
new utilization of RCLs in the state. Because RCLs involve the
use of a radio transmitter and receiver system, rather than a
person physically located in the locomotive cab, to control a
train's movement, there have been concerns raised about the
safety of their operation in the state.
Analysis Prepared by : Ed Randolph / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083
FN: 0013204