Railway Safety Act of 2025
Railway Safety Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Railway Safety Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Railway Safety Act of 2025 would require the Department of Transportation to create new safety rules for trains carrying hazardous materials (like chemicals or flammable goods). Under this bill, railroad companies would have to notify state emergency officials in advance about what dangerous materials they're transporting, reduce the time that trains block road crossings, and follow stricter rules about train length, weight, speed, and emergency response plans. The bill would also require railroads to install and maintain wayside defect detectors—devices placed along tracks that can identify problems like broken wheels before they cause accidents. **Who It Affects:** This legislation primarily impacts railroad companies and shippers who transport hazardous materials, as well as state emergency response officials who would receive advance notice of dangerous cargo.
The general public would also be affected indirectly through improved safety measures at railroad crossings and reduced risks of hazardous material spills or accidents. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Christopher Deluzio (D-PA) and is currently being reviewed in congressional committee. It has not yet been voted on by the full House or Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Railway Safety Act of 2025This 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 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.The bill alsoincreases 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 programs;establishes a statutory requirement for freight trains to have at least two crew members, with exceptions;phases out certain railroad tank cars by May 1, 2027;expands training for local first responders;imposes a new fee on certain rail carriers; andauthorizes grants to improve railway safety.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.