Rhode Island legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Rhode Island H7608: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY (Provides that no train or light engine would be used in connection with the movement of freight could be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least 2 persons, would also include the imposition of fines upon a company for violation of the act.)
Status: Signed into law, June 18, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 11, 2026:
2026 -- H 7608 ======== LC005020 ======== STATEOFRHODEISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ ANACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY Introduced By: Representative Matthew S. Dawson Date Introduced: February 11, 2026 Referred To: House Corporations It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 39-7 of the General Laws entitled "Operation of Railroads Generally" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 39-7-13. Minimum crews required. (a) No train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight may be operated unless it has a crew consisting of at least two (2) persons. For the purposes of this section, the phrase "train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight" shall not include hostler service or utility employees. (b) Any company, individual, or business entity that willfully violates this section may be subject to a fine as follows: (l) Not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), for a first offense; (2) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), for a second offense committed within three (3) years; and (3) Not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), for a third offense and …
Sponsors
- Matthew Dawson (D, HD-065) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Signed by Governor
- : Transmitted to Governor
- : Senate passed in concurrence
- : Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
- : Committee recommends passage in concurrence
- : Scheduled for consideration
- : Referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
- : House read and passed
- : Placed on House Calendar
- : Committee recommends passage
Votes
- Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government: Passage in concurrence (May 28, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Seq #169: PASSAGE (May 12, 2026): 72 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Committee on Corporations: Passage (April 28, 2026): 12 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
Common questions
- What is H7608?
- H7608 is a bill in the Rhode Island Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY (Provides that no train or light engine would be used in connection with the movement of freight could be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least 2 persons, would also include the imposition of fines upon a company for violation of the act.).
- What is the status of H7608?
- Signed into law as of June 18, 2026. Latest action: Signed by Governor (June 18, 2026).
- Who sponsored H7608?
- Matthew Dawson (D, HD-065).
- Where is the official record for H7608?
- On the Rhode Island Legislature website: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7608.pdf
Source: official Rhode Island record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.