WA People
BILL · 2023–24 SESSION

HB 1839: Train length

Concerning train length on railroads.

Summary

  • Prohibits railroads from operating a train that exceeds 7,500 feet in length in the state, unless the operation of a train that exceeds this length maximum is approved by an order issued by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).
  • Authorizes the UTC to evaluate whether to authorize railroad carrier requests to operate trains that exceed 7,500 feet in length on specified routes up to a maximum of 10,000 feet in length, provided additional crew members are assigned to the train.
  • Sets fines for railroads that violate restrictions on the operation of trains longer than 7,500 feet to fines of at least $25,000 for a first offense; $250,000 for a second offense; and for each offense thereafter, a fine double that of the fine for the preceding offense.
  • Permits the UTC to reduce fines for violating restrictions on the operation of trains longer than 7,500 feet for Class III railroad carriers (typically shortline railroads) that are not owned by Class I railroads.

From the House Bill Report (HB 1839), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
  1. IntroducedFeb 20, 2023
  2. Out of committeeFeb 25, 2023
  3. Passed Housestopped here
  4. Passed Senate
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-37)
Introduced
February 20, 2023 in the House
Last action
February 20, 2024
Budget
Has a fiscal note

AN ACT Relating to the length of trains on railroads;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-37)

8 co-sponsors (5 Democrats, 3 Republicans)

Bruce Chandler R-15Strom Peterson D-21Sam Low R-39Monica Jurado Stonier D-49Gerry Pollet D-46Jim Walsh R-19Dave Paul D-10Sharon Wylie D-49

Votes

No recorded floor votes.

History

  1. House Rules "X" file.
  2. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  3. Referred to Rules 2 Review.
  4. Minority; without recommendation.
  5. Minority; do not pass.
  6. TR - Majority; do pass.
  7. TR - Executive action taken by committee.
  8. First reading, referred to Transportation.

HB 1839 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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