Persistence and Creativity Secure Train Crew Privacy Protections in Indiana

Whether on the rails or in the halls of the Indiana General Assembly, having a two-person crew assigned to the job is invaluable!

Led by the combined efforts of Indiana State Safety & Legislative Director Kenny (KO) Edwards and Assistant Safety & Legislative Director Andy McKeeman, railroad workers who are involved in a fatal grade crossing accident will now have their names and private information redacted from public view, including personal insurance companies. This is a major win for our SMART-TD brothers and sisters in Indiana and all of rail labor throughout the Hoosier State!

Why It Matters

For railroaders, this new protection is about safety, privacy, and fairness.

In the past, when a critical incident occurred, the names of train crew members often appeared in public records and media coverage, even when they had done nothing wrong. That exposure has led to railroaders being contacted or harassed by the families of those involved in the incident and in some cases, even having their personal insurance companies raise rates simply because their names were connected to the event.

By ensuring that crew members’ names and private information are redacted from official reports, this legislation protects railroaders and their families from unnecessary personal and financial consequences. SMART-TD’s Indiana Safety and Legislative Board fought hard for this protection, because they understand that our members deserve to do their jobs without fearing that a tragic incident will follow them home.

Amendment Included in a Legislative Version of Frankenstein’s Monster

Modeled after a similar piece of legislation that passed in Illinois, the amendment securing train crew privacy protections was part of what’s known as a “vehicle bill,” which ultimately resulted in a combination of 11 different pieces of legislation that accomplished multiple goals.  

Described by KO as a “Frankenstein Bill,” it took some careful and strategic maneuvering to ensure that the amendment was included in the final version, which will go into effect on July 1, 2026, once it’s signed into law.

“This was the most nuanced piece of legislation that I’ve ever gotten passed,” he said. “There were several points where it looked like this wouldn’t get over the finish line. But like typical resilient railroaders, we persevered and found other avenues.”

KO points out the fact that the amendment would not have passed without bipartisan support, including the tireless work of Representative Chris Campbell (House District 26) and Representative Mitch Gore (House District 89)

“[Rep. Gore] was [dedicated] in his support of us and did not let up until the amendment had a home where it could pass,” KO explained. “He is a true friend of ours and will continue to be going forward. We were lucky to have a great champion.”

Over a Century of Combined Railroading Experience Gets the Job Done

Joining KO and Assistant SLD McKeeman at the Capitol ahead of the amendment’s final moments before passage was KR Edwards, KO’s father. With 103 years of railroading experience between the three of them, KO credits that knowledge and expertise for making a difference.

“We took over a century of experience to battle!” he said.

As Assistant SLD McKeeman prepares to take the reins after KO’s upcoming retirement, he says that this session was the perfect time for his successor to undergo his legislative training.

“Lobbying is a lot like railroading,” KO explained. “We had a two-person crew, and we hung in there.”