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

SB 971 requires all freight trains operating in Oklahoma to have at least two certified crew members (like engineers or conductors) aboard while moving, directly affecting railroad companies transporting goods. Exceptions include passenger/tourist trains, slow-moving trains (under 30 mph with a caboose), helper services, hostler operations, and loading/unloading at 10 mph. Violations carry fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $10,000 for repeated violations within three years. The law, effective July 2025, aims to enhance safety through mandatory crew staffing for freight operations.