Railway Safety Act of 2026

This bill would change federal rules for trains carrying hazardous materials, including speed limits, new reporting of hazardous cargo to state and tribal emergency agencies, and emergency response plans from large railroads. It would require Class I freight trains on main lines to have at least a two-person crew, with some exceptions. It would set new inspection rules for railcars and locomotives, require large railroads to install networks of defect detectors, and require older tank cars carrying certain flammable liquids to be replaced or upgraded by the end of 2027. It would also raise civil penalties for rail safety violations, require railroads to set up phone lines for reporting blocked crossings, fund research grants, and order several federal studies and reports.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Jon Husted Republican sponsor
• 7 cosponsors