The bill allows the commission to impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per offense on railroad companies that fail to comply with a PUC order or rule on railroad crossing safety.
The PUC is requesting written comment by Aug. 15 about what should be included when it initiates a rulemaking to implement the fining authority. PUC staff also intend to conduct workshops and webinars that would allow statewide participation from towns and cities, counties, state agencies, railroads and other interested entities.
The information received from this stakeholder input process will be used to develop proposed rules that will be issued in a separate proceeding at a later date.
People may submit written comments by using the PUC’s online comment form at bit.ly/32tFHAs under proceeding number 19M-0379R.