119th Congress Transportation and Public Works
H.R. 971: RAIL Act
Introduced
- Introduced (completed)
- Passed House (not reached)
- Passed Senate (not reached)
- To the President (not reached)
- Became law (not reached)
Summary
This bill addresses safety requirements for rail carriers and trains transporting hazardous materials.
Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must issue safety regulations for trains carrying hazardous materials to require that rail carriers (1) provide state emergency response commissioners with advance notice and information about the hazardous materials; (2) reduce blocked rail crossings; and (3) comply with certain requirements regarding train length and weight specifications, track standards, speed restrictions, and response plans.
DOT must also establish requirements for wayside defect detectors. These are used by railway systems alongside the tracks to detect defects and failures (e.g., wheel bearing failures). Current federal regulations do not require their use, but federal guidance does address their placement and use. Under the bill, DOT must issue regulations establishing requirements for the installation, repair, testing, maintenance, and operation of wayside defect detectors for each rail carrier operating a train carrying hazardous materials.
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Further, DOT must update rail car inspection regulations and audit related inspection programs. This includes prohibiting a railroad from limiting the time required for an employee to complete a railcar, locomotive, or brake safety inspection.
The bill also
- increases the maximum fines DOT may impose on rail carriers for violating safety regulations;
- establishes a statutory requirement for freight trains to have at least two crew members, with exceptions;
- phases out certain railroad tank cars by May 1, 2030;
- expands training for local first responders; and
- imposes a new fee on certain rail carriers.
Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
Roll calls
No roll call votes have been held on this bill.
Amendments
No amendments were offered to this bill.
Cosponsors
- Joyce Beatty D-OHOriginal
- Shontel Brown D-OHOriginal
- Marcy Kaptur D-OHOriginal
- Greg Landsman D-OHOriginal
- Michael Rulli R-OHOriginal
- Max Miller R-OH
- Sarah Elfreth D-MD
Who scored on this bill
- 1Emilia Sykes SponsorDrew cross-party cosponsors, introduced2 events+6
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Other bills by Emilia Sykes
History
- Introduced in the House by Emilia Sykes.
Show the full action history (3 actions)
- Introduced in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.