Bill > HR7662

This bill, the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026, aims to bolster safety across the rail network, particularly for trains carrying hazardous materials. Key provisions include establishing stricter safety requirements for "high-hazard trains" – defined as trains carrying a significant number of tank cars with flammable liquids, toxic materials, explosives, or high-level radioactive waste – by mandating speed restrictions, especially in urban areas, and requiring advanced electronic tracking of hazardous materials. The bill also addresses the safety of long trains by requiring the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and update regulations based on concerns about train length and weight, and mandates reporting of train weight and tonnage in accident reports. Furthermore, it seeks to prevent blocked highway-rail grade crossings by initiating a study on frequently blocked crossings and establishing a toll-free reporting system for such incidents. The legislation also enhances inspection protocols for railcars and locomotives, mandates more frequent inspections, and increases penalties for rail safety violations, with higher fines for incidents causing death or serious injury. It sets a phase-out date for older tank cars used for transporting flammable liquids, requiring them to meet newer safety standards, and authorizes funding for research and development of safer tank cars and defect detection systems. The bill also calls for a review of the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) safety culture and workforce management, and mandates a review of safety inspector and specialist classifications. Additionally, it expands alcohol and drug testing to include employees who inspect rail equipment, establishes a confidential close call reporting system for all types of rail operations, and aims to improve connectivity for the AskRail application used by first responders. Finally, the bill increases funding for railroad crossing elimination grants and requires railroads to provide warning equipment to roadway workers, while also enhancing provisions for hazardous materials emergency response and preparedness, including grants for training, equipment, and a new program to provide immediate financial assistance to communities responding to significant hazardous materials transportation incidents.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7662/all-info