Pa. committee to hold hearing on crew consist bill

Pennsylvania State Legislative Director Paul Pokrowka reports that the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee will be conducting a public hearing on House Bill 1797 – the state’s two-person crew bill – Feb. 4, at the SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street (Mezzanine Level), Philadelphia, PA. The hearing will start at 1:00 p.m.

Pokrowka was instrumental in getting this bill to fruition, having brought the two-person crew issue to the Pa. House of Representatives’ attention almost a year ago. Transportation Committee Chairman John Taylor (R – District 177), has asked Pokrowka to act as a presenter at the hearing.

H.B. 1797 reads as follows:

“(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 individuals.

“(b) Any person who willfully violates this section shall be guilty of a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay the following:

1. not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for a first offense;
2. not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for a second offense committed within three years; and
3. not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000 for a third offense and subsequent offenses committed within three years of the first offense.

“(c) The provisions of subsection (a) do not apply to hostler service or utility employees.”

Pokrowka encourages all Pennsylvania members to attend this important public hearing in support of H.B. 1797.