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119-hr-8713119th CongressWALLET

RAPID Responders Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

Introduced

Summary

Requires heat‑resistant hazardous‑material placards on railcars so labels survive high temperatures. This bill would direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations within 1 year ensuring placards covered by 49 C.F.R. § 172.519 can withstand heat above 180°F.

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  • Emergency responders would be more likely to read placards after fires, helping them identify hazards at accident scenes.
  • Rail carriers and shippers would need to use placards that meet the new heat‑resistance specification under existing hazardous‑materials rules.
  • The Secretary could raise the heat‑resistance threshold if the National Transportation Safety Board recommends a higher standard.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New heat rules for rail placards

This bill would require the Transportation Secretary to issue rules within one year. The rules would require placards covered by 49 C.F.R. § 172.519 to withstand heat above 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The Secretary could raise that heat limit later if the National Transportation Safety Board recommends it. Manufacturers and rail carriers would need to meet the new standard. First responders and people near rail routes would likely be safer because placards would resist heat damage.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

OH • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 5/7/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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