Michigan Senate Committee Passes SB 100 for Two-Person Minimum Crew Law 

Lansing, MI — A major win for railroad workers and public safety advocates came this week as the Michigan Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) with a 7-2 vote. The bill, which mandates a minimum two-person crew on freight trains operating in Michigan, will now move to the full Senate. 

SB 100, introduced by Senator Erika Geiss (D-1st District) and supported by the SMART-TD union, aims to improve railroad safety and working conditions. Geiss, who chairs the committee, led the effort, with all six Democratic committee members voting in favor, joined by Republican Senator Edward McBroom (R-38th District). 

Don Roach, SMART-TD Michigan State Safety and Legislative Director, praised McBroom for his bipartisan support, emphasizing the importance of safety over politics. Roach also highlighted the growing need for state-level protections due to legal challenges to federal two-person crew regulations. 

Michigan State Senator and Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Erika Geiss, Michigan State Legislative Director, Don Roach, and Michigan State Senator and Co-sponsor of SB 100, Stephanie Chang,

SB 100 addresses concerns over railroads seeking to reduce crew sizes, a practice critics argue jeopardizes both worker safety and community well-being. The bill’s passage marks a significant step forward for Michigan’s efforts to ensure safer, more accountable railroad operations. 

Supporters are hopeful the full Senate will pass the bill and send it to the Michigan House for further consideration. “This is a victory for rail workers, public safety, and Michigan families,” Roach said. “We’ll keep pushing to make sure this legislation becomes law.”