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 Railway Safety Act of 2026 strengthens railroad safety and emergency preparedness across multiple areas. The bill requires freight railroads to evaluate and potentially regulate increasingly longer trains, report accident data by train length and weight, and install comprehensive defect detection systems to catch equipment problems before they cause accidents, with the Secretary of Transportation issuing implementing regulations on a specific timeline. To address blocked crossings that delay emergency vehicles and school buses, the legislation directs a National Academy of Sciences study of the most problematic crossings and requires railroads to establish hotlines for reporting blockages within 180 days. The bill also enhances hazmat emergency response by increasing federal grant funding from 80% to 90% for states and 100% for tribes, establishing a dedicated emergency assistance program that provides up to $10 million in immediate reimbursement for response costs, and recommending virtual training options for hazmat handlers alongside traditional courses. Additionally, the law directs reviews of emergency brake signal technology and the Federal Railroad Administration's safety culture, ensuring both are aligned with modern safety standards and best practices.
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