12/4/06-A bill intended to provide more protections for passenger and freight trains from potential terrorist acts has died.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Stack, D-Philadelphia, and Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, SB1298 remained in the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill required two state agencies to evaluate the risks involved with rail in Pennsylvania and then develop plans to make trains safer.
The bill required the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the state’s Emergency Management Agency to develop contingency plans to restore rail traffic if such structures as track, tunnels, rail yards and bridges are lost due to natural or man-made disasters.
It also mandated an evaluation of the dangers and vulnerabilities related to transporting hazardous materials. In addition, improvements would have been made to passenger screening and cargo security systems as well as develop strategies to minimize terrorist threats to the state’s rail system.

10/30/06-A bill in the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee is intended to provide more protections for passenger and freight trains from potential terrorist acts.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Stack, D-Philadelphia, and Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, SB1298 would require two state agencies to evaluate the risks involved with rail in Pennsylvania and then develop plans to make trains safer.
The bill would require the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the state’s Emergency Management Agency to develop contingency plans to restore rail traffic if such structures as track, tunnels, rail yards and bridges are lost due to natural or man-made disasters.
It also would mandate an evaluation of the dangers and vulnerabilities related to transporting hazardous materials. In addition, improvements would be made to passenger screening and cargo security systems as well as develop strategies to minimize terrorist threats to the state’s rail system.
With the regular session scheduled to wrap up by Nov. 30, the bill isn’t expected to receive consideration until a new Legislature convenes in January 2007.
For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.