Railroads; requiring certain railroad trains to have two certified crew members aboard. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 971 requires railroad companies in Oklahoma to have at least two certified crew members (such as engineers or conductors) aboard freight trains while they are moving. It exempts tourism trains, slow-moving locomotives (under 30 mph) attached only to cabooses, helper services, hostler services, and low-speed loading/unloading (under 10 mph). Violations carry fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $10,000 for repeat violations within three years. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects companies operating freight rail services in the state.