(1) The rail ombudsman shall: (a) 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.
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