S5775

The New York State Senate passed a comprehensive freight rail safety bill (S5775) by a vote of 55-6, part of a 10-bill package designed to strengthen rail safety across the state in response to the East Palestine, Ohio derailment disaster. Sponsored by Sen. Kennedy and developed by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins along with Sens. Chu, Webb, Hinchey, Skoufis, Comrie, Mannion, and Martinez, the legislation requires two-person crews on freight trains, mandates hazardous material notifications to state agencies, limits train lengths, establishes quarterly inspection requirements, and creates a central freight train registry. The bill also authorizes heat safety gauges on tracks, rail yard security analysis, and a freight rail safety task force. Kennedy emphasized that with over 1,100 derailments occurring nationally each year, New York must act independently rather than wait for federal action. Sen. Oberacker cast one of six dissenting votes, expressing concern that the two-person crew requirement could impede freight movement and worsen supply chain challenges, though he acknowledged the legislation's good intentions. He suggested the crew requirement should apply only to trains carrying hazardous chemicals. The bill now advances to the Assembly and Governor's desk.