Requires railroad corporations to inform the division of homeland security and emergency services, department of environmental conservation…

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic4
• Republican1

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why James Skoufis says this is needed

The East Palestine train derailment released hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, a toxic flammable gas, into the air, surface soil, and surface waters. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the spill affected about seven and a half miles of stream and killed an estimated 3,500 fish. This incident has raised concerns about the health and safety of East Palestine residents, as many have contin- ued to report an array of lingering symptoms, including headaches and rashes. Hazardous material leakage poses a significant threat to our environment and the safety and well-being of the state's people. This legislation requires every railroad corporation operating any freight train within the state to inform the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) about freight rail trains transporting hazardous materials before traveling on tracks within the state. This critical information will ensure that the DOT and DEC can act swiftly in the event of a leakage of hazardous materials within the state. It is of paramount importance that the State take the precautionary measures necessary to protect both our environment and the public. The enactment of this legislation will serve as an additional safeguard for the people of the State by facilitating a timely and efficient response by first responders in the event of any leakage of harmful chemicals. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: Senate 2023: S6924, Passed Senate 2024: S6924, Passed Senate Assembly 2023: N/A 2024: A10675, Referred to Transportation

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.