The final rule applies to states in which a transit-rail system operates. The rule requires that a state must submit its State Safety Oversight (SSO) program to FTA for certification and that the designated SSO agency must have financial and legal independence from the transit agencies it oversees, USDOT officials said. The rule also requires that a state ensure that the SSO agency adopts and enforces federal and state safety laws. The SSO agency must have investigatory authority and appropriate financial and human resources for the number, size and complexity of the transit-rail systems in its jurisdiction. Additionally, SSO agency personnel must be properly trained and certified to perform safety oversight.