Railway Safety Act of 2023
- Last Action
- 12/13/2023
Actions
- 2023-12-13Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 284.
- 2023-12-13Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2023-12-13Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2023-05-10Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2023-03-16Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 118-361.
- 2023-03-01Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2023-03-01Introduced in Senate
CRS Summary
As of 2023-03-01 (00)
Railway Safety Act of 2023
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 or shippers (1) provide state emergency response commissioners with advanced 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.
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,
- requires a minimum two-person crew for certain freight trains,
- phases out certain railroad tank cars by May 1, 2025 (four years sooner than required under current law),
- expands training for local first responders,
- imposes a new fee on certain rail carriers, and
- provides funding for research and development to improve railway safety.
Cosponsors (11)
- J. Vance (R-OH)
- Bob Casey (D-PA)
- Marco Rubio (R-FL)
- John Fetterman (D-PA)
- Josh Hawley (R-MO)
- Tina Smith (D-MN)
- Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
- Mike Braun (R-IN)
- Mitt Romney (R-UT)
- Roger Marshall (R-KS)
- Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Subjects
- Accidents
- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Appropriations
- Civil actions and liability
- Department of Transportation
- First responders and emergency personnel
- Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
- Infrastructure development
- Railroads
- Research and development
- State and local government operations
- Transportation programs funding
- Transportation safety and security
- User charges and fees
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.