Transportation (Rail)

To amend sections 307.203, 5589.20, 5589.22, 5589.23, 5589.24, and 5589.99; to amend, for the purpose of adopting new section numbers as indicated in parentheses, sections 5589.20 (5589.40), 5589.22 (5589.42), 5589.23 (5589.43), and 5589.24 (5589.44); to enact section 5589.41; and to repeal sections 5589.21 and 5589.211 of the Revised Code to create designated access routes across railroads for emergency vehicles.

This bill ratifies the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, a formal agreement designed to coordinate passenger rail development across multiple Midwestern states. It establishes a new Commission composed of state governors, private sector representatives, and legislators to advocate for funding, create long-term high-speed rail plans, and foster partnerships between governments and the rail industry. The Commission will be funded through equal contributions from member states and has the authority to conduct research, hire staff, and oversee specific rail projects upon request. By enacting this compact into state law, Ohio joins other Midwestern states in a unified effort to improve intercity passenger rail service and integrate it into national transportation strategies.

To enact section 4955.37 of the Revised Code to establish "Safe Zones" on railroad tracks for the safety of railroad employees and to name this act the Paul Payne Safe Zone Act.

To enact section 4963.50 of the Revised Code to give specified local governments the authority to unilaterally approve an encroachment on a railroad company's right-of-way for certain utility work.

To amend sections 2903.13 and 2917.41 and to enact section 306.20 of the Revised Code to increase the penalty for assault when the victim is an operator of an Ohio transit system bus or rail car; to authorize Ohio transit systems to post a sign regarding abuse or assault of staff; and to increase the penalty for evading payment of the known fares of a public transportation system.

SCR 8 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the RAIL Act (H.R. 971). It does not create new law but asks federal lawmakers to adopt the RAIL Act, which would require two-person crews on freight and passenger trains, increase train inspections, strengthen hazardous material placard rules for responders, and boost penalties for safety violations. The resolution references a 2023 Ohio train derailment as context but focuses on the RAIL Act’s proposed safety mechanisms. It directly affects federal rail safety policy and would impact all Class I rail operators if enacted. Ohio’s state legislature formally requests this action through the resolution.