Villivalam law protects confidentiality of train crew members

SPRINGFIELD - A new law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam protects the confidentiality of train crew members in fatal accident reports.

"We often see personal information released in reports, although it is not needed for accountability or investigative purposes," said Villivalam (D-Chicago). "This law will ensure worker information is not being released when it is not pertinent in the interest of their safety."

Illinois has the third-highest number of railroad collisions in the nation, according to a 2022 report from the Illinois Commerce Commission. In 2022, 30 people died at highway-rail crossing collisions.

To protect the confidentiality of train crew members' private information, Villivalam's law requires personally identifying information in railroad fatality reports and communications between police officers and crew members to be redacted when presented to the public. Unredacted copies of reports will still be available to the railroad employing the individual, to law enforcement officers and by court order.

"As labor and industry stakeholders came together, it was apparent that there was greater need in protecting the confidentiality of train crew members," said Villivalam. "This law will lead the charge in ensuring that no train crew member has to worry about potential retaliation, while keeping reports transparent and accountable to the public when such incidents occur."

House Bill 5189 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.