Calloway and Tate file legislation to remove obstructive vegetation at railroad crossings

HB 311, filed by Representative Josh Calloway (R-Irvington) and Representative Nancy Tate (R-Brandenburg), would require railroad companies to remove obstructive vegetation at railroad intersections on public roads.

“HB 1, passed in the 2024 Regular session, includes allocations for railroad companies to restore their rail facilities for the purpose of improving public safety. Those funds can and should be used by railroads companies across our state to fulfill the maintenance requirements in this bill,” said Tate.

Railroad companies will be given written notice of their obstructive vegetation by local government or the Transportation Cabinet. If they fail to clear any obstructive vegetation, local governments or the cabinet will remove it and railroad companies will be required to reimburse whichever agency completed the vegetation removal.

Representatives Calloway and Tate first presented this legislation during the 2025 Interim and were joined by Tanya Serna, a Vine Grove resident whose story underscores the importance of this issue. Serna’s son Hunter was tragically killed in 2020 when a train struck his car. In the years since, Serna has transformed her grief into advocacy, with a campaign called Hunter’s Purpose, for safer roads and rail crossings in Kentucky. Now, in the 2026 Session, Representatives Calloway and Tate are working to ensure the safety of drivers across the Commonwealth with HB 311.

“This is common sense legislation for the Commonwealth,” said Serna.

“It is an honor for myself and Representative Tate to bring this bill to our fellow legislators,” said Calloway. “Having worked with individual railroad companies, we feel this is the best way to keep more Kentuckians safe on the roads.”

For more information on HB 311, please visit legislature.ky.gov or click here.