House committee advances bill to require clearer sightlines at railroad crossings after mother’s testimony

The House Transportation Committee on a voice vote advanced House Bill 311, a measure aimed at improving sightlines at railroad crossings, after emotional testimony from a mother whose son died at an unmarked crossing.

Representative Josh Callaway, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the substitute amendment revised a prior 600‑foot provision to require clearing of vegetation for 250 feet in both directions and added specifics about vegetation height and what must be cleared. "It said 600 feet. And so we clarified that language that it's 250 feet both directions," Callaway said.

Tanya Serna told the committee about her son Hunter, a 19‑year‑old chemical engineering student, saying the April 28, 2020 crash that killed him occurred at a crossing where vegetation "obscured the track and also, obscured partially the sign." Serna said there were no warning signals or devices and that "he literally had to drive up to the track to be able to see anything." She urged lawmakers to adopt the bill so others would not suffer a similar loss.

Committee members responded with sympathy and support; Representative Nancy Tate reminded members that the Federal Railroad Administration has recommended states address sightline issues and said 34 states had taken action on similar concerns. After brief discussion the committee took a roll call and the chair reported the bill with a favorable recommendation to the full House, with the committee substitute attached.

The committee's substitute narrows the clearing distance to 250 feet in both directions from crossings and clarifies permitted vegetation heights; the text on permissible materials and enforcement is contained in the substitute language. The measure now moves to the House floor for further consideration.

No floor date was announced at the committee's adjournment.