Bill > HR7748

This bill, the Railway Safety Act of 2026 and Safe Freight Act of 2026, aims to significantly enhance rail safety, particularly for trains carrying hazardous materials. Key provisions include stricter regulations for "high-hazard trains" (defined as trains carrying specific quantities of flammable liquids, toxic materials, radioactive waste, or explosives), mandating speed restrictions, especially in urban areas, and requiring advanced electronic tracking of hazardous materials. The bill also introduces new requirements for railroads to provide real-time train consist information to emergency responders and fusion centers, and to submit detailed hazardous materials emergency response plans. It addresses concerns about long trains by requiring the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and update safety regulations based on existing reports and data. Furthermore, the bill mandates a study on blocked highway-rail grade crossings, aims to improve pre-departure and periodic inspections of railcars and locomotives, and calls for a review of emergency brake signal functionality and defect detection systems. It also establishes a two-person crew minimum for freight trains operated by Class I railroads, with specific exceptions, and increases penalties for rail safety violations. The bill also sets a phase-out schedule for older tank cars used to transport flammable liquids, mandates research and development for safer tank cars, and authorizes appropriations for rail safety infrastructure and research. Finally, it includes provisions for improving the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) safety culture and workforce management, reviewing safety inspector classifications, and expanding alcohol and drug testing to include employees who inspect rail equipment. On the hazardous materials emergency response side, the bill introduces new registration fees, allows for virtual training options, expands grant programs for emergency preparedness, and establishes an emergency response assistance program to provide immediate financial aid to communities affected by significant hazardous materials transportation incidents.