PRIA Logo™
HR7784119th CongressWALLET

Secure Tracks Act

Sponsored By: Representative Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

Introduced

Summary

Unified visual and automated track inspection standards. This bill would create a codified framework that sets minimum visual inspection frequency and detailed Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) schedules for main line track operated at Class 3 speeds or higher.

Show full summary
  • Qualified inspectors would perform visual inspections at least twice per week with at least one calendar day between checks. They would have sole authority to initiate remedial action and to permit any movements on track taken out of service.
  • Rail operators would follow tiered TGMS inspection intervals by track class, with some lines requiring up to 4 TGMS runs per year and minimum day gaps between runs.
  • The Secretary of Transportation would be barred from approving waivers for alternative inspection methods that fail to detect all defect conditions recognized as unsafe. The bill would require updates to Subparts F and G of Part 213 of the Code of Federal Regulations within one year to codify these inspection and remediation rules.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New rail inspection and repair rules

If enacted, this bill would set stricter visual and automated track-inspection rules for main line tracks used at Class 3 speeds or higher. A qualified inspector would have to do visual checks at least twice each week, with at least one calendar day between checks, and must start fixes, protections, or removal from service immediately consistent with 49 C.F.R. part 213 (as of Jan 1, 2026). The Secretary of Transportation would have one year to update Part 213 Subparts F and G to require Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) runs on Classes 1–9 and crossovers, with specific minimum frequencies and minimum days between inspections (for example: Eu >5 inches on Classes 1–5 at least 4 times per year with 43 days between; Class 1 high-tonnage once per year with 170 days between; Classes 6–9 at least twice in shorter windows with 25, 12, or 6-day minimums; crossovers over 30 mph at least twice per year with 120 days between). The bill would also bar DOT from approving any waiver or exemption if an alternative inspection method would fail to detect defects that FRA rules recognize as unsafe, and it would define key terms by reference to CFR sections as in effect on Jan 1, 2026.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

NV • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/28/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation