BILL REQ. #:  S-3647.1 

Read first time 01/20/10.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to establishing rules for certain railroad activities; adding a new section to chapter 81.48 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

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) The commission shall establish rules to minimize the risk of fire resulting from rail grinding, welding, or vegetation clearing activities by railroads. These rules must include, but are not limited to, requirements concerning notification to the commission and local governments of such activities.
     (2) A railroad may not engage in rail grinding, welding, or vegetation clearing activities that do not comply with commission rules.
     (3) Each violation of this section is punishable by a fine of up to twenty thousand dollars as determined by the commission.