SF4801

Purpose

This bill changes how railroad crossing bells are used by requiring new rulemaking to silence the bells under specific conditions, with certain residential proximity exceptions, and gives the transportation commissioner authority to adopt these rules through a designated statutory process.

Main Provisions

• Rulemaking requirement
  • By July 1, 2027, the commissioner of transportation must amend Minnesota Rules part 8830.1500 subpart 2 to require railroad crossing bells to be silenced when:
  • the head end of the train reaches the crossing, or
  • the gate arm has descended to within ten degrees of horizontal, at crossings where gates are used.
• Residential proximity exception
  • The bells may be silenced under the above conditions except when the crossing is within 1000 feet of residential property.
• Authority to adopt rules
  • The commissioner may use the good cause exemption (under Minnesota Statutes section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause 3) to adopt rules under this section.
• Statutory framework
  • Minnesota Statutes section 14.386 does not apply to these rules except as provided under Minnesota Statutes section 14.388.
• Section scope
  • All changes are contained in Section 1 of the bill.

Timeline and Rulemaking Details

• Implementation deadline: July 1, 2027.
• Rulemaking pathway: The commissioner may use the good cause exemption to adopt the new rules.
• Interaction with existing law: The new rulemaking is guided by the exemptions in 14.388, and 14.386 is not generally applicable to these rules.

Significance of Changes

• What changes: Moving from audible bells in more situations to silencing bells at specific points in the crossing process (with a residential proximity exception) and codifying a targeted rulemaking process.
• Who is affected: Drivers, pedestrians, and residents near crossings; rail operators and the transportation department.
• Safety and noise considerations: Aims to reduce noise for many crossings while preserving audible warning near residences, balancing safety with community impact.

Notable Terms Used (Key Concepts)

• railroad crossing bells
• silenced
• head end of the train
• crossing
• gate arm
• within ten degrees of horizontal
• gates
• residential property
• within 1000 feet of residential property
• good cause exemption
• Minnesota Rules part 8830.1500 subpart 2
• Minnesota Statutes section 14.388
• Minnesota Statutes section 14.386
• rulemaking
• commissioner of transportation

Terminology Section (Important phrases referenced in the bill)

• Head end of the train
• Crossing bells
• Gate arm
• Descent to within ten degrees of horizontal
• Residential proximity threshold (1000 feet)
• Good cause exemption (14.388, subd. 1, cl. 3)
• Rulemaking authority and process
• Exemption interaction with 14.386

Relevant Terms railroad crossing bells; silenced; head end of the train; crossing; gate arm; ten degrees of horizontal; gates; residential property; within 1000 feet; good cause exemption; Minnesota Rules part 8830.1500 subpart 2; Minnesota Statutes section 14.388; Minnesota Statutes section 14.386; rulemaking; commissioner of transportation