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HR8548Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37] (D-CA)
introduced
S3987119th CongressWALLET
Secure Tracks Act
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced
Summary
Strengthening track inspection standards. This bill would set firm rules for regular visual inspections and make automated Track Geometry Measurement System checks part of the safety rules.
Show full summary
- Workers and inspectors: Main line track used at Class 3 speeds or higher would need visual inspections at least twice per week with at least one calendar day between checks. Qualified inspectors would have sole authority to order repairs and to permit movements on track taken out of service.
- Rail operators and routes: The bill would require scheduled automated TGMS runs tied to track class and annual gross tonnage. Frequencies range from once per year on some low-volume lines to multiple runs per year for higher-class or high-tonnage lines and special requirements for higher-speed classes and crossovers.
- Regulators and safety system: The Federal Railroad Administration would have one year to update part 213 to fold automated results into the rulebook and to require immediate remediation for any deviation found by visual or automated inspection.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More frequent automatic track checks
This bill would require the Secretary to update federal track rules within one year so qualifying track geometry measurement systems (TGMS) run on set schedules. The rules would set minimum TGMS frequencies by track Class and by whether the line carries more than 15,000,000 gross tons a year. For example, lines with a cant deficiency over 5 inches would need TGMS at least four times per year (at least 43 days between checks), and many Class 3–5 lines would see at least two to four TGMS runs per year depending on tonnage and class.
More visual inspections by inspectors
This bill would require that all main line track used at Class 3 speeds or higher get visual inspections at least twice each week by a qualified inspector, with at least one calendar day between inspections. If an inspector or any detection method finds a defect, the bill would require immediate remediation, protection, or removal of the track from service consistent with current FRA rules. The bill would also give a qualified inspector sole authority to start remedial action and to authorize any movements needed to fix track taken out of service, and it would direct the Secretary to update the rules within one year so machine-detected deviations must also be remediated immediately.
No waivers that weaken safety checks
This bill would bar the Secretary from granting waivers, exemptions, or regulation changes if an alternate inspection or monitoring method cannot detect all defect conditions that FRA rules recognize as unsafe. The prohibition would apply even if another law might otherwise allow a waiver. The bill would also add definitions by reference so key terms like Class 1–5 track, main line, qualified inspector, and Track Geometry Measurement System mean the corresponding federal regulatory text as of January 1, 2026.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
WI • D
Cosponsors
Josh Hawley
MO • R
Sponsored 3/4/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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