Dr. Michele Grim (front row, fourth from right) marched with BLET members at the 2023 Toledo Labor Day parade.
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The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a BLET-backed railroad safety bill. The bill’s primary sponsor — Dr. Michele Grim, Ohio House District 43, Ranking Member, House Transportation Committee, and Legislative Member of the Ohio Rail Development Commission — Grim discussed the need for this common-sense law when she addressed BLET’s National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen.
Ohio State Legislative Board Chairman John Esterly said the BLET supported House Bill 372 in conjunction with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED). The bill clarifies that other pieces of equipment travel on railroad tracks, and requires motorists to “Stop, Look and Listen” for on-track maintenance vehicles and construction equipment in addition to trains.
The bill will next move to the Senate next for consideration and would require a signature from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine before it could become law.