HB3743eng 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB3743 Engrossed LRB104 11404 LNS 21492 b

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 22-101 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/22-101 new)

Sec. 22-101. Railroad safety messaging. Each school district shall include in its student handbook for grades kindergarten through 12 the following railroad safety messaging:

(1) Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

(2) Never walk down a train track; it is illegal and dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks, it is too late to stop even when the emergency brakes are activated.

(3) The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing, equipped with crossbucks, flashing red lights, or gates. Crossing anywhere else is trespassing, which can result in a ticket and fine.

(4) Do not cross tracks immediately after a train passes. Additional trains may be approaching when blocked by the first. Trains can travel at any time and in either direction. Wait until both directions can be clearly observed.

(5) Flashing red lights signal that a train or rail equipment is approaching from either direction, and a fine can be charged for ignoring such signals. Never walk around or stop between lowered gates at a crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the red lights stop flashing and it is safe to do so.

(6) Rails and recreation do not mix.

A school district may opt-out of this requirement if the school board of the school district determines that the inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary based on local context or the messaging's alignment with curriculum.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on July 1, 2026.