Rights of way; designating certain roads as critical emergency routes; prohibiting certain acts by operators of trains. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 77 designates certain roads as "critical emergency routes" for first responders, automatically including all state highways and allowing local governments to add qualifying roads. It prohibits obstructing or damaging these routes (misdemeanor punishable by up to $500) and requires railroads to immediately notify authorities if a train blocks such an intersection during an emergency (fines up to $1,000 for violations). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all rail operators and local governments designating these routes. This law directly affects emergency services, local road authorities, and railroad operators.