A bill now before the Alaska Senate would tighten restrictions on commercial drivers and those who employ them.

Specifically, HB124 would make it illegal for an employer of a commercial driver to encourage their drivers to violate federal, state or local laws regarding railroad crossings. The law also makes it a penalty for the driver to violate the rules. It calls for the suspension of those drivers’ licenses.

The bill passed the Alaska House by a vote of 34-1 on March 12. On March 13, it was referred to the Transportation and Labor and Commerce committees in the Senate.