A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to direct the joint legislative Transportation Oversight Committee to study whether the rail division of the department of transportation should adopt rules requiring rail carriers to provide safe walkways for railroad employees in work areas.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee shall study whether the Rail Division of the Department of Transportation should adopt rules requiring all Class I rail carriers in this State to provide safe walkways for railroad employees in areas in which those employees regularly perform their duties in yards, sidings, industries, pass tracks, and meeting points at which employees are required to perform roll‑by inspections. In studying this issue, the Committee shall consider whether any rules adopted should provide for minimum size of walking ballasts and whether, and under what conditions, any rules adopted should be applicable to tourist or short line carriers.
SECTION 2.  The Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee shall report its findings and any recommended legislation to the 2010 Regular Session of the 2009 General Assembly upon its convening.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.