Freight trains would need two qualified crew members in most cases

A railroad carrier would have to use at least two qualified crew members to operate a train or light engine moving freight. This would cover railroad trains and light engines used to move freight. A crew member must be an employee of the railroad carrier operating the train or light engine; hostler, helper, and utility workers, and contractors, do not count. The section would not conflict with federal rules on railroad crew staffing. The requirement would take effect only after Missouri's attorney general notifies the state revisor that a final judgment has affirmed the validity of the Federal Railroad Administration's two-person crew rule.

The two-person minimum would not apply to certain train movements. These exceptions apply to freight trains and light engines covered by the crew requirement. The loading or unloading exception applies only when the train travels at no more than ten miles per hour.

The Missouri Department of Transportation could enforce the crew requirement, and willful violations could bring fines. The penalties could apply to any person or railroad carrier that willfully violates the two-person requirement. A violation must be willful for a fine to apply. Fines could be up to $1,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third or later offense.