Rep. Matt Hanson
Filed: 4/3/2025
 
 

 
 

 
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1
AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 3743 

2    AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 3743 by replacing 
3everything after the enacting clause with the following:
 
4    "Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 
522-101 as follows:
 
6    (105 ILCS 5/22-101 new)
7    Sec. 22-101. Railroad safety messaging. Each school 
8district shall include in its student handbook for grades 
9kindergarten through 12 the following railroad safety 
10messaging:
11        (1) Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or 
12    roadway crossings and observe and obey all warning signs 
13    and signals. 
14        (2) Never walk down a train track; it is illegal and 
15    dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a 
16    trespasser or vehicle on the tracks, it is too late to stop 
 
 
10400HB3743ham001- 2 -LRB104 11404 LNS 24674 a

1    even when the emergency brakes are activated. 
2        (3) The only safe place to cross is at a designated 
3    public crossing, equipped with crossbucks, flashing red 
4    lights, or gates. Crossing anywhere else is trespassing, 
5    which can result in a ticket and fine. 
6        (4) Do not cross tracks immediately after a train 
7    passes. Additional trains may be approaching when blocked 
8    by the first. Trains can travel at any time and in either 
9    direction. Wait until both directions can be clearly 
10    observed. 
11        (5) Flashing red lights signal that a train or rail 
12    equipment is approaching from either direction, and a fine 
13    can be charged for ignoring such signals. Never walk 
14    around or stop between lowered gates at a crossing. Do not 
15    cross the tracks until the red lights stop flashing and it 
16    is safe to do so. 
17        (6) Rails and recreation do not mix. 
18A school district may opt-out of this requirement if the 
19school board of the school district determines that the 
20inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary based on local 
21context or the messaging's alignment with curriculum.
 
22    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on July 
231, 2026.".