develop and maintain expertise in and understanding of laws and regulations relating to rail;
(b)
coordinate, consult, and provide information to private citizens, government entities, rail operators, stakeholders, and other interested parties about rail related issues;
(c)
on the rail ombudsman's website, provide:
(i)
updated, easily accessible information about the duties of the rail ombudsman; and
(ii)
a form that a member of the public, including a railroad company employee, may use to submit a report or complaint;
(d)
provide education and training regarding rail laws and regulations; and
(e)
arrange and facilitate meetings between a rail company and one or more of the following, to resolve a rail dispute described in Subsection (2):
(i)
a local government entity;
(ii)
a large public transit district; or
(iii)
a private property or livestock owner.
(2)
The rail ombudsman shall facilitate meetings described in Subsection (1)(e) to resolve issues relating to:
(a)
safety;
(b)
at-grade and grade-separated rail crossings;
(c)
fencing;
(d)
injury to or loss of livestock;
(e)
railroad maintenance, including maintenance agreements and road closures;
(f)
improvements to railroad right-of-way infrastructure;
(g)
track realignment;
(h)
track consolidation; or
(i)
any other issue that has caused a dispute between a rail company and a party described in Subsection (1)(e).
(3)
If the rail ombudsman invites a rail company or another party described in Subsection (1)(e) to a meeting to resolve a rail dispute, the rail company or other person shall:
(a)
attend the meeting; and
(b)
attempt to resolve the dispute through the rail ombudsman before filing an action in court or seeking another remedy.
(4)
A rail company and a party described in Subsections (1)(e)(i) through (iii) shall provide notice to the rail ombudsman before:
(a)
closing a highway for railroad maintenance; or
(b)
starting a construction project involving:
(i)
an at-grade rail crossing; or
(ii)
the realignment or consolidation of railroad tracks.
(5)
The rail ombudsman may not address nor participate in:
(a)
organized labor issues or disputes; or
(b)
rail company employee safety issues.
(6)
If a report or complaint described in Subsection (1)(c)(ii) is made in regard to a rail company, the rail ombudsman shall forward the report or complaint to the relevant rail company or other appropriate agency or entity.
Section 72-18-102 ("Rail ombudsman -- Duties.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 72-18-102?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 72-18-102" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 72-18-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
