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119-hr-853119th CongressWALLET

Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act

Sponsored By: Representative Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]

In Committee

Summary

Creates a Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund to reimburse state and local emergency responders for costs from train incidents carrying hazardous materials. It also levies fees on hazardous-material shippers and carriers and requires railroads to share advance load warnings and real-time location data with local responders.

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  • Local emergency response groups such as fire departments and law enforcement can receive an immediate award of at least $250,000 after a Federal Railroad Administration declaration and may receive up to $3.0 million per hazardous train event to cover equipment replacement, overtime, operational costs, and retroactive expenses.
  • Shippers and carriers of hazardous materials by rail face a new annual fee schedule that will collect not less than $10.0 million each year to be deposited into the reimbursement fund.
  • Railroads transporting hazardous materials must provide counties and local emergency response groups advance notice of a train's load and timing and real-time location information when a train enters or exits a community's service area.

*Establishes a fee-funded Treasury account expected to collect at least $10.0 million annually to finance reimbursements for hazardous train events.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Fast cash for local train responders

If enacted, the rail administrator, with FEMA and EPA, would have 3 days to declare a hazardous train event. After a declaration, eligible police, fire, and other local responders would get at least $250,000 right away. Within 5 days, more aid could be awarded, up to $3 million per event. Money could pay for damaged equipment, overtime, and other response costs. It could cover costs after the event and within 30 days after funds arrive. Recipients would need to file cost records within 120 days and repay any misuse.

Real-time hazardous train alerts to locals

The Secretary of Transportation, after consulting TSA, would set rules for railroads that carry hazardous materials. Railroads would have to give county and local responders advance warning of the train’s load and timing. They would also share real-time location when the train enters and leaves the service area. Police, fire, and other emergency agencies would receive this data.

New fees on hazardous rail shippers

This bill would require annual fees on businesses that ship or carry hazardous materials by rail. The fee schedule would raise at least $10 million each year. The money would be deposited into the Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]

PA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 1/31/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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