Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026 strengthens federal oversight of rail safety, particularly for trains carrying hazardous materials like flammable liquids, explosives, and radioactive cargo. The bill requires railroads to implement speed limits (50 mph for general trains, 40 mph for high-hazard trains in urban areas), improve locomotive and brake inspections, equip trains with advanced defect detection systems, maintain minimum two-person crews on freight trains, and phase out older tank cars by the end of 2027 in favor of safer models. It also mandates that railroads share real-time cargo information with emergency responders, address blocked railroad crossings, and develop hazardous materials emergency response plans. The legislation authorizes approximately $27 million in federal grants for research and emergency preparedness programs, establishes new registration fees for hazardous materials shippers to fund training and equipment, creates a $10 million emergency assistance fund to reimburse communities for immediate response costs after transportation incidents, and requires the Department of Transportation to issue updated safety regulations and conduct comprehensive railroad audits within specified timeframes.
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