Secure Tracks Act
Sponsored By: Senator Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced
Summary
Mandatory visual and automated track inspections. This bill would require twice-weekly visual inspections for main line track operating at Class 3 speeds or higher and would set detailed Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) automated inspection schedules tied to track class and annual gross tons.
Show full summary
- Rail companies and freight operators would face routine inspection duties. They must ensure at least two visual inspections per week on qualifying main line track and follow TGMS frequencies that vary by track class and tonnage from annual checks to multiple checks per year.
- Qualified inspectors and track crews would gain clear authority to act. A qualified inspector would immediately start remedial action and alone could authorize movements to facilitate repairs when a deviation from safety rules is found. Any defect found by human or TGMS inspection must be corrected, protected, or removed from service immediately.
- The Department of Transportation would face tighter rule control. The Secretary could not grant waivers if an alternative method fails to detect recognized unsafe defects and must update relevant Federal Railroad Administration rules within one year to set TGMS frequencies by track class.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Stricter rail track inspections and repairs
If enacted, the bill would require main line tracks rated Class 3 or higher to get visual inspections at least twice each week, with at least one calendar day between checks. It would require immediate correction, protection, or removal from service for any unsafe defect found by a person or machine, and give qualified inspectors sole authority to start repairs and to allow movements needed for fixes. The Secretary would have to update rules within 1 year to set specific automated track-geometry (TGMS) run schedules by track class and tonnage (for example, some segments would get TGMS at least 4 times per year with at least 43 days between runs). The bill would also bar the Secretary from approving any waiver that would make inspections less able to find unsafe defects, and it fixes key terms to CFR definitions as of January 1, 2026.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
WI • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
MO • R
Sponsored 3/4/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov