Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025
Summary
The Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025 aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to establish limitations on duty hours for yardmaster employees. This bill seeks to enhance the safety and well-being of yardmasters by regulating their working hours. The proposed changes include defining 'yardmaster employee' and applying duty hour limitations similar to those for train employees.
Expected Effects
The act will likely result in changes to the operational practices of rail yards, potentially requiring adjustments to staffing and scheduling. Yardmaster employees will have legally protected limits on their duty hours. This could lead to improved alertness and reduced risk of accidents.
Potential Benefits
- Improved safety for yardmaster employees and potentially the public.
- Enhanced quality of life for yardmaster employees through regulated work hours.
- Greater clarity in the definition and responsibilities of yardmaster employees.
- Potential reduction in accidents related to fatigue.
- Alignment of yardmaster duty hours with those of other rail employees.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in operational costs for railroad companies due to staffing adjustments.
- Possible scheduling challenges to accommodate duty hour limitations.
- Potential for delays if staffing levels are not adequately adjusted.
- Possible need for increased training and oversight to ensure compliance.
- Potential for reduced efficiency if duty hour limitations are too restrictive.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Railroads and their operations fall under this purview. The establishment of safety regulations for railroad employees is a legitimate exercise of this power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).