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HR7662119th CongressWALLET

Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

In Committee

Summary

Tougher safety rules for high‑hazard trains. The bill limits speeds for large hazardous‑materials trains, tightens tank‑car standards and inspections, forces real‑time shipment data sharing, and creates new grants and an emergency reimbursement program for hazmat incidents.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

Fixing blocked grade crossings

If enacted, the Secretary would hire the National Academy of Sciences to study the 20 most frequently blocked highway-rail grade crossings in at least 10 States and report within 2 years. Railroads must set up toll-free numbers to report blocked crossings and give the numbers to DOT for public posting, with waivers possible for some smaller carriers. The bill would also authorize $1.5 billion per year for grade crossing elimination grants for fiscal years 2026–2029 and give added consideration to projects near school bus routes.

Higher penalties for rail safety

This bill would raise civil penalty ranges for violations of rail safety laws. General violations could carry penalties from $5,000 up to $1,000,000 per violation, with higher maximums (up to $5,000,000) for violations causing death or major harm. Penalties for small businesses would also increase (from $1,000 up to $200,000, or up to $500,000 for serious incidents). The Secretary may double penalties for repeated violations or deliberate indifference.

Stronger inspections, audits, and training

This bill would bar railroads from limiting the time employees need to complete required inspections and would force Class I railroads to keep designated inspectors at chosen locations within 120 days. The Secretary must strengthen inspector and locomotive inspection training and add a daily locomotive inspection for Class I service within 1 year. FRA must start audits of inspection compliance within 60 days and audit every Class I at least once every 5 years. The bill would also expand alcohol and drug testing rules for inspectors and require warning equipment for roadway workers.

Safer tank cars and retrofits

If enacted, the bill would ban most older tank cars from hauling certain Class 3 flammable liquids starting December 31, 2027 unless the Secretary delays the deadline to December 31, 2028 after a Comptroller General report (due within 18 months). Tank cars would have to meet DOT-117, DOT-117P, or DOT-117R standards to continue carrying those liquids. The bill would also authorize research money for safer tank car parts. This would increase safety but create retrofit and replacement costs for tank car owners and shippers.

Real-time train data for responders

If enacted, Class I railroads would have to create accurate, real-time electronic train consist data and sign secure agreements with fusion centers so first responders can view train contents and contacts within one year. Railroads could not withhold consist information from responders during hazardous-materials incidents. Rail carriers would also have to send weekly hazardous-materials flow reports to State and Tribal emergency agencies. The bill would require Class I carriers running high-hazard trains to submit standardized hazardous-materials emergency response plans.

High-hazard train limits and review

The bill would define "high-hazard train" by numeric thresholds and generally cap train speeds at 50 mph. High-hazard flammable trains with 20 or more loaded tank cars would be limited to 40 mph inside designated high-threat urban areas unless all applicable tank cars meet DOT-117 standards. The Secretary would study safety effects of longer trains and require trailing weight reporting after accidents. The rules aim to lower derailment risk but may slow shipments and affect freight operations.

New defect detectors and grants

This bill would require the Secretary to make national rules for defect detection systems and start rulemaking within 1 year and finalize rules within 2 years. Covered carriers would file risk-based detector network plans and must implement them within 3 years. The FRA could award grants for defect-detection research and for commuter rail detectors, with $22 million and other funds authorized to help support testing and installation. Rail carriers would face new plan requirements and possible penalties for noncompliance.

Fast emergency reimbursements for responders

This bill would create an Emergency Response Assistance program and a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund set-aside to pay eligible public responders quickly after a "significant" hazmat incident. The Secretary could make up to $10 million immediately available from the set-aside when a responsible party lacks an acceptable repayment plan. The bill raises the set-aside to 4% and requires responsible parties to repay amounts paid from the Fund, with the Secretary allowed to reduce repayment requests for small businesses. It would also expand allowable grant uses and set limits, and require a Comptroller General report by September 30, 2027.

Repeal of two statutory sections

The bill would remove sections 21302 and 21303 from chapter 213 of title 49 when enacted. The change deletes those statutory provisions but does not specify replacement programs or new spending in the text. The practical effects would depend on how agencies adjust rules after the repeal.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 2/24/2026

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

    PA • D

    Sponsored 3/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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