Bill > S3903

This bill, the Railway Safety Act of 2026, aims to significantly enhance safety requirements for trains, particularly those transporting hazardous materials. Key provisions include establishing stricter regulations for "high-hazard trains" – defined by the quantity and type of hazardous materials they carry, such as flammable liquids, toxic gases, explosives, or radioactive waste – by mandating speed restrictions, especially in urban areas, and requiring detailed, real-time electronic train consist information to be shared with emergency responders and fusion centers. The bill also addresses the safety of long trains by requiring evaluations of their impact and revising accident reporting to include train length and weight. Furthermore, it mandates studies and solutions for blocked highway-rail grade crossings, improves inspection protocols for railcars and locomotives, and calls for a review of emergency brake signal functionality. To bolster defect detection systems, the bill requires railroads to develop risk-based plans for their implementation and sets performance standards. It also establishes a minimum two-person crew requirement for freight trains operated by Class I railroads, with specific exceptions, and increases penalties for violations of rail safety regulations. The bill mandates a phase-out of older tank cars used for transporting Class 3 flammable liquids by a specific date, encourages research and development for safer tank cars, and provides grants for rail safety infrastructure. Finally, it directs reviews of the Federal Railroad Administration's safety culture and workforce management, proposes revisions to safety inspector classifications, mandates alcohol and drug testing for certain inspection personnel, and enhances programs for hazardous materials emergency response and preparedness, including grants for training, equipment, and immediate financial assistance to communities affected by significant hazardous materials transportation incidents.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3903/all-info