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119-hr-341119th CongressWALLET

Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would preserve and clarify _state authority to limit how long a railroad may block a grade crossing_. It adds language to Title 49 of the U.S. Code to make clear federal transportation law does not preempt state limits on crossing-block duration and defines "State" to include the District of Columbia.

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  • States and the District of Columbia: Would be able to adopt or enforce laws, rules, or orders that set time limits on how long trains can block grade crossings. This gives states explicit legal footing to act on local traffic and safety concerns.
  • Railroad carriers: Would face enforceable state limits on crossing blockage durations rather than a uniform federal preemption rule. That could lead to different timing rules across states.
  • Local drivers and emergency responders: Could see faster clearing of crossings and fewer prolonged delays where states choose to set limits, potentially improving local traffic flow and emergency access.

*Would not create new federal funding or appropriation authority and does not provide new federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

States could set time limits on blocked crossings

If enacted, this bill would let states, including DC, set time limits on how long trains can block road crossings. It would make clear that federal rail law would not override these state rules. This could cut long delays for drivers, school buses, and emergency vehicles. It would not add new fees or funding, but would let states enforce their own limits.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8]

OH • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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