Bill > HR971

This bill, known as the Reducing Accidents In Locomotives (RAIL) Act, introduces comprehensive safety measures for train operations, particularly those transporting hazardous materials. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop new regulations within one year of the East Palestine, Ohio crash investigation, focusing on several key areas: mandating advance notification to state emergency response agencies about hazardous material shipments, implementing detailed gas discharge plans, reducing blocked crossings, and establishing requirements for train length, weight, route analysis, speed restrictions, track standards, maintenance, and response plans. The legislation also enhances inspection protocols by ensuring railroads provide sufficient time for thorough railcar and locomotive inspections, mandates more frequent and detailed audits of railroad safety practices, and requires the installation of wayside defect detectors every 10 miles on tracks carrying hazardous materials. Additionally, the bill increases civil penalties for safety violations, phases out older tank car specifications, provides funding for first responder training, and mandates a minimum two-person crew for most freight trains, with specific exceptions for certain train operations. These provisions aim to improve rail safety, prevent accidents, and ensure more robust emergency response capabilities in the event of a transportation incident involving hazardous materials.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/971/all-info