HB1697
To Amend The Law Concerning A Railroad Corporation's Duty To Maintain A Right-of-way.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1697 seeks to amend Arkansas Code § 23-12-201(a)(2) regarding the maintenance obligations of railroad corporations for their rights-of-way. The bill specifically modifies the required maintenance length around public roads or highways. Under current law, railroads must maintain an area extending one hundred yards on each side of the centerline from a public road. This bill increases that maintenance length requirement to two hundred yards on each side of the centerline. The maintenance width, defined as fifty feet on each side of the centerline between the rails, remains unchanged by this legislation.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the public and entities responsible for infrastructure safety near railroad crossings. By requiring railroads to clear and maintain vegetation and debris for a longer distance from public road crossings, sightlines for drivers and pedestrians may be improved, potentially reducing the risk of accidents at these intersections.
Who Might Suffer?
Railroad corporations operating within Arkansas are the entities most directly impacted by this bill, as they will face increased operational and financial responsibilities. These companies will need to dedicate more labor, equipment, and resources to clear and maintain a significantly larger geographic area of right-of-way than previously mandated.
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