HB 1418, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D–University Place), seeks to address rail safety governance by expanding the role of Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) oversight.

This bill comes as a response to the Point Defiance Bypass derailment in 2017—a disaster that resulted in three passenger deaths, 57 injuries, and property damage worth more than $25 million. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an accident report following the derailment, and found an absence of clearly defined roles and responsibilities among state agencies during the preparation for the start of service on the route.

Following the 2019 NTSB report, the Legislature directed the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) to conduct a study on rail safety governance best practices to better define the scope of roles and responsibilities. JTC’s report included recommendations related to strengthening the UTC’s role as the regulator of railroad safety, along with recommendations to increase rail safety coordination in the state.

On track with the NTSB and JTC reports, HB 1418 authorizes and expands the UTC’s role in overseeing rail safety. This bill also expands UTC’s role as an investigative and inspection authority over rail safety and requires the agency to facilitate communication and collaboration between freight rail service providers to promote industry safety management practices.

Additionally, HB 1418 requires the UTC and the Washington State Department of Transportation to report each year to the Transportation Committees of the Legislature and to the Governor’s Office on the status of the rail safety oversight program, including plans and recommendations for enhancing current activities.

Dates to remember

HB 1418 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on March 15 at 4 pm.