RAIL Act
Bill journey · stage 1 of 5
Just introduced
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Mar 17, 2023)
Reducing Accidents In Locomotives Act or the RAIL Act
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. Further, these regulations must establish requirements that safety placards be able to withstand heat in excess of 180 degrees.
The bill also
- increases the maximum fines DOT may impose on rail carriers for violating safety regulations,
- requires DOT to update rail car inspection regulations and audit the federal inspection program,
- phases out certain railroad tank cars by May 1, 2028 (one year sooner than required under current law),
- expands training for local first responders, and
- imposes a new fee on certain rail carriers.
What just happenedJan 29, 2024
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mrs. Sykes asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1633, a bill originally introduced by Representative Johnson (OH), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseMar 17, 2023
- Jan 29, 2024FloorH8D000
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mrs. Sykes asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1633, a bill originally introduced by Representative Johnson (OH), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 20, 2023Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee - Mar 17, 2023IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee - Mar 17, 2023IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Mar 17, 2023IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House