Maryland Senate Advances Two-Person Train Crew Bill

The Maryland Senate is expected to advance legislation requiring two-person crews on freight trains to the desk of Governor Wes Moore before the conclusion of the current legislative session.

During a press conference on April 3, 2026, Senate President Bill Ferguson and Senate Democrats announced their intent to pass the bill, which aims to enhance rail safety across the state. The legislative session is scheduled to end in approximately two weeks.

Details of Senate Bill 156

The legislation, identified as SB 156 and sponsored by Senator Arthur Ellis of Charles County, mandates a minimum of two qualified crew members on freight trains. This requirement is designed to ensure that quick action can be taken during emergencies on rail lines.

The bill includes specific exemptions and penalties for non-compliance:

• Movements in yard service or hostler service are exempt from the two-person crew requirement.
• First-time offenses may result in penalties of up to $10,000.
• Second offenses occurring within a three-year period may result in penalties of up to $25,000.

A fiscal and policy note dated February 3, 2026, indicates the bill generally prohibits the use of freight trains that share a corridor with high-speed rail unless they meet these staffing requirements.

Legislative Progress and Advocacy

The Maryland House of Delegates previously passed companion legislation, HB 862, on March 11 with a vote of 98-35. The bill is now expected to move out of the Senate Finance Committee and pass the full Senate chamber.

The push for the legislation was led by members of the SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD). David Pendleton, the Maryland safety and legislative director for the union, described the bill as proactive rail safety legislation.

Pendleton credited the effort to grassroots advocacy, noting that union members provided testimony and met with lawmakers in Annapolis to secure the measure. Jared Cassity, the National Safety and Legislative Director for SMART-TD, stated that the legislation will save lives, plain and simple.

Broader Context and Regional Trends

Senate President Bill Ferguson stated that supporting organized labor has been a focal point for the chamber during the current session.

The movement toward mandated two-person crews is appearing in other regions; a similar provision was included in legislation signed into law in New Jersey earlier in 2026.

The effort to mandate two-person crews in Maryland has a long history of debate. In March 2016, the Maryland Senate previously voted 32-14 for a similar measure. At that time, some lawmakers argued that proposed federal rules regarding crew sizes made state-level legislation unnecessary, while others argued that Maryland should not wait for federal action to ensure public safety.