HOWIE Act
Sponsored By: Representative Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Introduced
Summary
Expands federal railroad incident reporting to cover fires and self‑attributed damage. This bill would direct the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Federal Railroad Administration, to update 49 C.F.R. §225.9 so rail carriers must report train accidents that cause listed damage and any fire alongside tracks, including brush fires, when the railroad reasonably suspects its actions caused the damage.
Show full summary
- Rail carriers: Would be required to report accidents and fires along tracks when they reasonably suspect their actions caused damage, broadening the incidents that trigger federal reporting.
- Federal Railroad Administration: Would be directed to write and issue revised regulations updating Section 225.9 to add those reporting duties.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New railroad fire reporting rule
This bill would direct the Secretary of Transportation, through the Federal Railroad Administration, to update federal rules on railroad accident reporting. It would require railroads to report train accidents that cause the kinds of damage listed in 49 C.F.R. § 225.9. It would also require reporting of any fire, including brush fires, next to tracks when the railroad reasonably suspects its action caused the fire or damage. The reporting duty would take effect when the agency issues the new rules, and the bill itself does not add funding, penalties, or specific report forms or deadlines.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov