AN ACT Relating to railroad community notice requirements; and adding a new section to chapter 81.48 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 81.48 RCW to read as follows:

(1) At least ten days prior to taking any planned action that may have a significant impact on a community, railroad companies must notify, in writing, the governing authority of the community and the commission of the planned action.

(2) The notice must contain a heading with the words "important notice" in prominent type and contain, at a minimum, the following:

(a) Date the notice is issued;

(b) A clear explanation of the type of planned event;

(c) Specific location of the event;

(d) An estimation of the start and completion date of the event;

(e) Any additional information that will assist the community to plan for the event; and

(f) Railroad company contact person and phone number.

(3) If a railroad company fails to notify the governing authority of the community and the commission of the planned action, the commission may pursue the following to the maximum extent permitted under federal law: Administrative actions including, but not limited to, issuing defect notices to railroad companies, reports and recommendations to the federal railroad administration, warnings, sanctions, and penalty assessments.

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