RAILWAY SAFETY ACT

HB 146, the Railway Safety Act, requires railroads operating in New Mexico to install and maintain wayside detector systems (including hot bearings and dragging equipment detectors) every ten miles along tracks. Railroads must stop trains for defect inspections, follow speed limits when carrying hazardous materials, and report all defect messages and safety violations to the state Department of Transportation annually. The bill protects crew members who report safety concerns from retaliation and authorizes the department to impose fines of $5,000-$25,000 for violations. This law, effective January 1, 2026, directly affects railroad corporations and their workers by mandating enhanced safety protocols and accountability measures.