
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 49USC20151]

 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                        SUBTITLE V--RAIL PROGRAMS
 
                             PART A--SAFETY
 
                          CHAPTER 201--GENERAL
 
               SUBCHAPTER II--PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF SAFETY
 
Sec. 20151. Railroad trespassing and vandalism prevention 
        strategy
        
    (a) Evaluation of Existing Laws.--In consultation with affected 
parties, the Secretary of Transportation shall evaluate and review 
current local, State, and Federal laws regarding trespassing on railroad 
property and vandalism affecting railroad safety, and develop model 
prevention strategies and enforcement laws to be used for the 
consideration of State and local legislatures and governmental entities. 
The first such evaluation and review shall be completed within 1 year 
after November 2, 1994. The Secretary shall revise such model prevention 
strategies and enforcement codes periodically.
    (b) Outreach Program.--The Secretary shall develop and maintain a 
comprehensive outreach program to improve communications among Federal 
railroad safety inspectors, State inspectors certified by the Federal 
Railroad Administration, railroad police, and State and local law 
enforcement officers, for the purpose of addressing trespassing and 
vandalism problems on railroad property, and strengthening relevant 
enforcement strategies. This program shall be designed to increase 
public and police awareness of the illegality of, dangers inherent in, 
and the extent of, trespassing on railroad rights-of-way, to develop 
strategies to improve the prevention of trespassing and vandalism, and 
to improve the enforcement of laws relating to railroad trespass, 
vandalism, and safety.
    (c) Model Legislation.--Within 18 months after November 2, 1994, the 
Secretary, after consultation with State and local governments and 
railroad carriers, shall develop and make available to State and local 
governments model State legislation providing for--
        (1) civil or criminal penalties, or both, for vandalism of 
    railroad equipment or property which could affect the safety of the 
    public or of railroad employees; and
        (2) civil or criminal penalties, or both, for trespassing on a 
    railroad owned or leased right-of-way.

(Added Pub. L. 103-440, title II, Sec. 219(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 
4625; amended Pub. L. 104-287, Sec. 5(49), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 
3393.)


                               Amendments

    1996--Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 104-287 substituted ``November 2, 
1994'' for ``the date of enactment of the Federal Railroad Safety 
Authorization Act of 1994''.
