0
0

Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021

3/9/2023, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3481

Bill 117 HR 3481, also known as the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021, aims to provide additional protections for railroad yardmasters who are responsible for overseeing the movement of trains in rail yards. The bill specifically addresses the issue of fatigue among yardmasters, who often work long and irregular hours.

Under this legislation, railroad companies would be required to implement fatigue management plans to ensure that yardmasters are not overworked and are able to perform their duties safely. These plans would include provisions for adequate rest periods, limits on consecutive work hours, and regular breaks.

Additionally, the bill would establish a reporting system for yardmasters to report safety concerns and violations of the fatigue management plan. This system would allow yardmasters to raise issues without fear of retaliation from their employers. Overall, the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021 seeks to improve safety and working conditions for railroad yardmasters, ultimately benefiting both the employees and the public.

Congressional Summary of HR 3481

Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021

This bill applies to yardmaster employees the limitations on duty hours and the restrictions on communications to employees during their off-duty hours that are currently applicable to train employees. A yardmaster employee means an individual responsible for supervising and coordinating the control of trains and engines operating within a rail yard.

Current Status of Bill HR 3481

Bill HR 3481 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 25, 2021. Bill HR 3481 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on May 25, 2021.  Bill HR 3481's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. as of May 26, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3481

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3481

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3481

Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for limitations on duty hours for yardmaster employees, and for other purposes.
Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2021

Comments