Another Win for Safety: 2-PC Signed into Law in Rhode Island

Thanks to the leadership of SMART-TD’s New England Safety & Legislative Board, any train or light engine carrying freight that’s traveling throughout Rhode Island is now required to have a minimum two-person crew (2-PC)!

On July 23, 2026, Governor Dan McKee signed H7608/S2913 into law, and our union was there for this important moment.

This latest victory comes just three months after Virginia’s governor signed a 2-PC law that was also driven by SMART-TD members.

Rhode Island Governor Calls Bill a “Common Sense” Measure

In remarks after the signing, Governor McKee reiterated what we already know: having two crew members on a train is a commonsense safety measure.

“If an issue arises on a delivery route, you need two crew members on board—one to operate the train and a second person to address the problem,” he said.

Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, the legislation also imposes a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, up to $5,000 for a second offense committed within three years, and up to $10,000 for a third offense for any individuals or businesses or violate the law.

Passage Was a Collaborative Effort Led by SMART-TD

As New England Safety & Legislative Director Dave Stevenson explained, it took many late nights at the Rhode Island State House to get the legislation over the finish line and signed into law.

Assistant New England Safety & Legislative Director Chris Tyrell and Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee Chair Cole Czub were critical in making that happen.

“It was really a group effort to get 2-PC on the books in Rhode Island, and I want to thank Brothers Tyrell and Czub for all of their dedicated work,” he said. “Just like they always do, they show up and get things done, especially when it comes to safety-focused legislation.”

SLD Stevenson also applauded Representative Matthew Dawson (D-East Providence) and Senator Lammis Vargas (D-Cranston, Providence) for their leadership in sponsoring the bill and guiding it through the legislative process.

He also gave special recognition to the SMART-TD officers, members, and SMART-MD who turned out in full force to make sure that labor and our union were well-represented at the signing. He also extended thanks to the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, including President Pat Crowely and Legislative Director Erica Hammond for their collaboration.

“We are proud to play a part in the passage of a two-person crew requirement in Rhode Island,” he said. “This is a measure that will preserve the integrity and the safety of freight services for years to come.”

Congratulations to our brothers and sisters in Rhode Island for becoming the latest state to ensure that 2-PC is the law of the land!