S6922

The New York State Senate passed S6922, sponsored by Senator Webb, which amends the Transportation Law. The bill received overwhelming support in a roll call vote, with 58 senators voting in favor and only 2 voting against. Senators Oberacker and Weik cast the dissenting votes. The measure will take effect 180 days after becoming law. No floor debate on the substantive provisions was recorded in the session transcript.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Webb to increase transparency in freight rail safety by creating a central, publicly accessible database of transportation safety reports, audits, and inspections. The bill passed on a 58-3 roll call vote, with Sens. Helming, Walczyk, and Weik voting in opposition. Webb cited the February 2023 freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, as impetus for the measure, arguing that communities deserve access to critical information about rail operations and safety risks. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to compile and make publicly available all reports, audits, and inspection data related to freight rail safety. The legislation takes effect 180 days after becoming law.