MarylandFreight trains would need two crew members on shared corridors
If New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia enact similar laws, Maryland freight trains sharing corridors with passenger trains would need at least two crew members.
What it does
Freight trains sharing tracks with high-speed passenger or commuter trains would need at least two crew members, except for hostler and certain yard-service trains. The rule depends on similar laws in three other states.
Argument forTwo-person crews could provide more support during freight operations on corridors shared with passenger trains.
Argument againstRailroad companies might face higher operating costs or fewer operating options because covered freight trains would need two crew members.
More detail
Railroad companies would have to operate covered freight trains with at least two crew members. This applies to freight trains sharing a rail corridor with a high-speed passenger train or commuter train. The rule would not apply to freight trains used for hostler service or utility employees in yard service. Section 1 would take effect only if New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia enact substantially similar laws. If the required states enact similar laws and notice reaches the Department of Legislative Services on or before October 1, 2056, the requirement would take effect when that notice is received. Without notice by that date, Section 1 would be null and void.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 3Gubernatorial Veto Override (Legislative date: 8/3/2026) - Chapter 879Latest
- Aug 3OverriddenMajor
- Aug 3Motion to Postpone Indefinitely (Senator Ready) Rejected
- Aug 3OverriddenMajor
- May 22Vetoed by the Governor Wes Moore (Policy)Major
- Apr 10Returned Passed
- Apr 9Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Apr 9Motion Special Order until Later Today (Senator Hettleman) Adopted
- Apr 8Second Reading Passed
- Apr 8Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Apr 8Favorable Report by FinanceMinor
- Mar 22
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 12Referred FinanceMinor
- Mar 11Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Mar 10Second Reading Passed
- Mar 10Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Mar 9Favorable Report by Environment and TransportationMinor
- Feb 27
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 5Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 4First Reading Environment and TransportationIntroduced
TransportationPublic SafetyCivil Rights & Voting