KentuckyHB 3112026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT relating to railroad crossings.

Sponsored By: Josh Calloway (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Local MandateState AgenciesTraffic SafetyTransportation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Driver rules at crossings unchanged

This law does not change what drivers must do at railroad crossings. All existing driver duties remain the same.

Government can clear and bill railroads

If a railroad does not clear as required, the Transportation Cabinet or local road authority may send written notice to the railroad’s registered agent. The railroad then has 30 days after it receives the notice to remove the plants. If it still fails, the government will remove the plants after setting a safe time with the railroad. The government can bill the railroad for necessary and reasonable costs by certified mail. If unpaid after 30 days, the government can take legal action to collect.

Railroads must clear plants at crossings

The law requires every railroad to clear obstructive plants on its right-of-way at each public crossing. They must clear within 250 feet each way and within 250 feet of where the road centerline meets the track centerline. Clearing applies to plants over 30 inches tall and up to 20 feet above the crossing height. Plants within 20 feet of the nearest rail must be cleared; if the right-of-way is under 20 feet wide, clear the full width but not within 5 feet of private land. Railroads cannot enter private property to meet these rules. Railroads may seek a written waiver when terrain or structures make clearing impossible, impractical, or unnecessary; it takes effect unless the Transportation Cabinet denies or changes it within 60 days. Railroads must comply by January 1, 2029, and these are the only state standards unless federal rules override.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Josh Calloway
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Anne Gay Donworth
Democrat • House
Adam Moore
Democrat • House
Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
Chris Fugate
Republican • House
Candy Massaroni
Republican • House
Daniel Fister
Republican • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
David Hale
Republican • House
Jennifer Decker
Republican • House
Joshua Watkins
Democrat • House
Kim Holloway
Republican • House
Kevin Jackson
Republican • House
Lisa Willner
Democrat • House
Myron Dossett
Republican • House
Mark Hart
Republican • House
Nancy Tate
Republican • House
Peyton Griffee
Republican • House
Pamela Stevenson
Democrat • House
Robert Duvall
Republican • House
Rachel Roarx
Democrat • House
Shane Baker
Republican • House
Steve Bratcher
Republican • House
Steven Doan
Republican • House
Steve Riley
Republican • House
Scott Sharp
Republican • House
Sarah Stalker
Democrat • House
Tina Bojanowski
Democrat • House
Tony Hampton
Republican • House
T.J. Roberts
Republican • House
Wade Williams
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 229 • No: 1

House vote • 4/15/2026

passed

Yes: 98 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/14/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 3/16/2026