HOUSE 1633118th CongressASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mrs. Sykes asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1633, a bill originally introduced by Representative Johnson (OH), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

RAIL Act

Last Action: 1/29/2024

Actions

2024-01-29ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mrs. Sykes asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1633, a bill originally introduced by Representative Johnson (OH), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
2023-03-20Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
2023-03-17Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2023-03-17Introduced in House
2023-03-17Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2023-03-17 (00)

Reducing Accidents In Locomotives Act or the RAIL Act

This bill addresses safety requirements for rail carriers and trains transporting hazardous materials.

Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must issue safety regulations for trains carrying hazardous materials to require that rail carriers (1) provide state emergency response commissioners with advance notice and information about the hazardous materials; (2) reduce blocked rail crossings; and (3) comply with certain requirements regarding train length and weight specifications, track standards, speed restrictions, and response plans.

DOT must also establish requirements for wayside defect detectors. These are used by railway systems alongside the tracks to detect defects and failures (e.g., wheel bearing failures). Current federal regulations do not require their use, but federal guidance does address their placement and use. Under the bill, DOT must issue regulations establishing requirements for the installation, repair, testing, maintenance, and operation of wayside defect detectors for each rail carrier operating a train carrying hazardous materials. Further, these regulations must establish requirements that safety placards be able to withstand heat in excess of 180 degrees.

The bill also

increases the maximum fines DOT may impose on rail carriers for violating safety regulations,
requires DOT to update rail car inspection regulations and audit the federal inspection program,
phases out certain railroad tank cars by May 1, 2028 (one year sooner than required under current law),
expands training for local first responders, and
imposes a new fee on certain rail carriers.

Cosponsors (15)

Emilia Sykes (D-OH)
Max Miller (R-OH)
Greg Landsman (D-OH)
Troy Balderson (R-OH)
MARCY KAPTUR (D-OH)
Mike Carey (R-OH)
Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
David Joyce (R-OH)
Shontel Brown (D-OH)
Michael Turner (R-OH)
Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)
Madeleine Dean (D-PA)
Vern Buchanan (R-FL)
Marcus Molinaro (R-NY)
Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)

Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Civil actions and liability
Department of Transportation
Employment and training programs
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Labor-management relations
Licensing and registrations
Railroads
Transportation safety and security
User charges and fees

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