Thanks to the diligent work of BMWED State Legislative Directors, the BMWED is making significant progress in adding on-track equipment to state highway crossing law nationwide.

Recently, BMWED SLDs in Arizona, Missouri, and Ohio advanced bills through legislatures to enshrine legal protections to on-track equipment operators on street crossings.

SLD Ronnie Long and Assistant SLD Jayce Suprenant testified on behalf of the Brotherhood at a recent Arizona State House hearing on the benefit of adding on-track equipment to existing crossing law in the Grand Canyon state. With their help, the proposal passed out of committee unanimously and advances to a floor vote in the State House.

In Missouri, SLD Cory Henrey assisted our efforts to introduce a crossing bill on the Senate floor and is making progress in advancing that into law.

A crossing bill in Ohio has also been introduced in the statehouse there, as well.

SLDs are shining examples of membership involvement within our Brotherhood and commendable service to the advancement of maintenance of way employee protections. We owe each of our SLDs great gratitude for taking time to represent our Brotherhood and appreciation for their dedication and legislative assistance.

This is truly a public safety issue. The public is keenly aware trains occupy railroad tracks in their respective neighborhoods but not everyone is aware of the on-track maintenance and construction machines that travel on the track infrastructure nationwide. Clarifying that there are other pieces of equipment traveling on track will help to educate the public.