TRENTON, N.J. — Outgoing New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed into law a bill regulating hazardous-material trains in the state, one of more than 120 bills he approved on his final morning in office. Mikie Sherrill was sworn into office as the state’s new governor later in the day.
The bill (A4460/S3389) passed by large margins last month in the state Assembly and Senate. It requires two-person crews for trains carrying hazardous materials, limits their length to 8,500 feet, and requires wayside detection devices, among other provisions [see “New Jersey passes bill …,” Trains.com, Dec. 24, 2025].
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division heralded the signing of the bill, with Jared Cassity, SMART-TD’s national safety and legislative director, saying in a press release that it is “a historic step forward for rail safety.”
“By institutionalizing modern safety practices and empowering workers and communities with stronger protections, this legislation will save lives and set a powerful example for other states to follow,” he added.
Trains has asked the Association of American Railroads for comment.
— To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
