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Indiana bill sets regulations for transporting radioactive materials

A bill advancing through the Indiana statehouse would increase the state’s regulations on the shipment of radioactive materials within the state. Truck loads and rail shipments would be affected.

The House Roads and Transportation Committee voted 9-1 to move the bill to the Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. The Senate has already approved it by unanimous consent.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security would be responsible for issuing permits for the transportation of radioactive materials on the state’s roadways.

Shippers of affected loads would be required to notify the state how much of the material is being transported, the route and means of transportation, as well as the schedule.

Permit fees would be $2,500 per truck or, for rail shipments, $4,500 for the first cask and $3,000 for each additional cask. Failure to obtain the proper permit could result in a maximum $1,000 fine.

Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, said the regulation for radioactive materials is needed to keep Indiana roads safe from dangerous materials that require delicate handling.

“That is why legislation to increase the monitoring, tracking, and regulation of the transportation of this material is so important,” Arnold said in a statement.

The Indiana State Police, including motor carrier inspectors, rail safety inspectors, and other eligible law enforcement would be authorized to conduct vehicle inspections to verify compliance. Vehicles found in violation could be detained, seized or impounded.

The bill – SB186 – is in the House Ways and Means Committee.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Indiana in 2010, click here.

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected].

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