Ohio Senate introduces two-person crew bill

Ohio State Senators Joe Schiavoni (D – Dist. 33) and Kenny Yuko (D – Dist. 25) have introduced Senate Bill 229 – a bill calling for two-person crews on locomotives – in the state.

The bill has bi-partisan support and has been co-sponsored by nine state senators: U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), Sen. Jim Hughes (R – Dist. 16), Sen. Capri Cafaro (D – Dist. 32), Sen. Sandra Williams (D – Dist. 21), Sen. Scott Oelslager (R – Dist. 29), Sen. Michael Skindell (D – Dist. 23), Sen. Charleta Tavares (D – Dist. 15), Sen. Cecil Thomas (D – Dist. 9) and Sen. Lou Gentile (D – Dist. 30).

The bill reads, “A train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight shall have a crew that consists of at least two individuals. No superintendent, trainmaster, or other employee of a railroad shall order or otherwise require a train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight to be operated unless it has a crew that consists of at least two individuals.”

The bill excludes hostler service and/or utility employees.

The bill calls for penalties of $250-$1,000 for a first violation, $1,000-$5,000 for a second violation and $5,000-$10,000 for a third violation.