AN ACT providing that the utilities commission in conjunction with the department of public safety shall require all common carriers of passengers to develop and implement a risk reduction program to reduce incidences and OCCURRENCES of accidents, injuries, assaults, and deaths on operators and passengers.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 10 of Chapter 62 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read as follows:

§ 62‑213.  Safety risk reduction programs for common carriers of passengers.

The Commission, in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety, shall require all common carriers of passengers, including common carriers by rail, under the supervision of the Commission to develop and implement a risk reduction program to improve safety by reducing the incidences and occurrences of accidents, injuries, assaults, and deaths on operators and passengers. In developing the program, carriers shall conduct appropriate risk analysis, consider appropriate measures to ensure the safety of operators and passengers, and consult with operators and their authorized representatives about potential risks and dangers that should be addressed. Carriers shall do all of the following:

(1)        Implement appropriate safety measures, including technology and infrastructure, such as barriers to restrict the entry of individuals or objects that may pose a threat to operators or passengers.

(2)        Train operators in de‑escalation tactics.

(3)        Annually update the risk reduction program, including the implementation of additional or new safety measures.

(4)        Collect data on each accident, injury, assault, or death, and make that data accessible to the operators or their authorized representatives.

(5)        Repair and replace, as needed, technology and infrastructure used or installed pursuant to this section.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective January 1, 2022.