WA People
BILL · 2023–24 SESSION

SB 5749: Rail safety governance/UTC

Enhancing rail safety governance by expanding the role of the utilities and transportation commission.

Summary

  • Authorizes the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to oversee rail safety in the state to the extent permitted by federal law, including for new or materially changed railroad operations and infrastructure, and oversight of safety management practices.
  • Broadens the authority of the Utilities and Transportation Commission to investigate and inspect rail safety practices to the extent permitted under federal law.
  • Requires the UTC to produce an annual report on rail safety in the state and promote rail safety through facilitation of communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
  • Requires the UTC to examine and make recommendations on implementation of a gross revenue fee within Washington State.
  • Transfers the safety oversight of rail fixed guideway public transportation systems from the Department of Transportation to the UTC, upon federal certification.

From the Senate Bill Report (SB 5749), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
  1. IntroducedFeb 17, 2023
  2. Out of committeestopped here
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Marko Liias (D-21)
Introduced
February 17, 2023 in the Senate
Last action
January 8, 2024
Budget
Has a fiscal note

AN ACT Relating to enhancing rail safety governance by expanding the role of the utilities and transportation commission;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Marko Liias (D-21)

2 co-sponsors (1 Democrat, 1 Republican)

Curtis King R-14Sharon Shewmake D-42

Votes

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  2. First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 5749 in other sessions

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

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