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Rhode IslandS29132026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY .

Sponsored By: Lammis J. Vargas (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Two-person crews and fines for freight trains

Beginning October 1, 2026, any freight train or light engine used for freight in Rhode Island must have at least two crew members. Hostler service and utility employees do not count toward the two-person crew. Willful violations face civil fines. First offense: $250 to $1,000. Second offense within three years: $1,000 to $5,000. Third or later within three years: $5,000 to $10,000.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lammis J. Vargas

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Stefano V. Famiglietti

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Todd M. Patalano

    Democratic • Senate

  • Brian J. Thompson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lori Urso

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 106 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/19/2026

PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS-- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 109

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/8/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    6/2/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  7. Referred to House Corporations

    5/20/2026House

  8. Senate read and passed

    5/19/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (05/19/2026)

    5/13/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    5/12/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration (05/12/2026)

    5/8/2026

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/12/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/12/2026)

    3/9/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    3/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2913 - As Introduced

    3/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

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