AB 446 Nevada Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Revises provisions relating to transportation. (BDR 58-207)

AB 446 sets new safety requirements for Nevada's Class I and Class II railroads and railroad contract carriers. It prohibits freight trains over 7,500 feet long, mandates hot box detectors every 20 miles, requires immediate action to clear grade crossings during emergencies, and enforces strict lighting standards in railroad yards - especially for hazardous materials operations. The bill also imposes new rules on companies transporting railroad employees, including driver hour limits, alcohol testing after crashes, and annual vehicle safety inspections. Both railroads and these contract carriers must provide a $5 million bond to ensure compliance with all safety provisions.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 17, 2025 Last action Jun 3, 2025

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What changed between versions

As Introduced → Reprint 1 · 9 edits

MAJOR

This bill was reprinted with amendments that significantly narrow its scope and modify key safety requirements for railroad operations. The changes clarify which railroads must comply, adjust train length limits, and update reporting and inspection standards.

Scope change

The bill now applies only to Class I and Class II railroads operating in Nevada, rather than all railroad companies. This excludes smaller railroads from most requirements.

SCOPE

Applicability changed from all railroad companies to only Class I or Class II railroads operating in Nevada.

REQUIREMENT

Maximum train length limit reduced from 8,500 feet to 7,500 feet for freight or work trains.

Hot box detector inspection requirement changed from every 10 miles to every 20 miles along railroad tracks.

New requirement added for railroads to cut, separate, or move trains blocking grade crossings when emergency vehicles approach, with certain exceptions.

Malfunctioning lighting equipment in railroad yards must be repaired or replaced within 48 hours, with the original text's 'maintain in good working order' requirement removed.

New requirement added for railroad contract carriers to require drivers to maintain accurate time records on a daily basis, changing from 'ensure' to 'require'.

New requirement added for railroad contract carriers to maintain information relating to each driver's driving ability and safety record.

New requirement added prohibiting persons from acting as railroad contract carrier drivers unless they submit to alcohol and controlled substances testing.

ENFORCEMENT

Bond requirement for railroads changed from 'railroad company owning or operating any railroad' to 'each Class I or Class II railroad operating in this State'.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 22, 2025

Lower · Passed

From printer. To engrossment. Engrossed. First reprint. To committee.

lower

Apr 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. Placed on Second Reading File. Read second time. Amended. (Amend. No. 320.) Taken from General File. Rereferred to Committee on Ways and Means. Exemption effective. To printer.

lower

Mar 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

From printer. To committee.

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors