Richmond, VA- Today, the House passed HB 440 (Patron- Heretick) with a bi-partisan vote of 61-37. For several sessions, SMART UTU and BLET have lobbied for passage of this common sense bill that requires a minimum two-person train crew as a matter of basic rail safety. Nearly 50 union members were at the General Assembly mobilizing support for the floor vote. They shared with Delegates their personal experience in the rail industry and the importance of proper crew sizes to protect not only train passengers and freight but also the public at large. How Delegates Voted
Following successful passage through the House, now the bill goes to the State Senate for consideration.
"It feels like a double. Now, we need to hit it home." - Ronnie Hobbs, SMART UTU VA Legislative Director