Governor Laura Kelly announces a new proposal requiring railroads operating in Kansas to have at least two railroad crew members in the lead locomotive.

 According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Kansas is in the top 25 states for highway-rail grade crossing collisions, resulting in five deaths and 14 injuries in 2022 alone. Derailments resulted in nearly $10 million in damage in 2022.

 Before the regulation takes effect, it will be subject to at least a 60-day public comment period. Organizations including the International  Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers have supported this rule.

 The majority of railroads in Kansas are currently operating two-person crews and will have no increased labor costs from the implementation of this regulation.

 The new rule would be enforced by the Kansas Department of Transportation. When the rule becomes official, Kansas will become the ninth state in the country with this safety requirement.