Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024

The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 enhances safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials. Title I, Rail Safety, defines terms and sets safety requirements for high-hazard trains, including tank car standards. It requires the Secretary to review and update safety regulations for long trains. It mandates a study of the 20 most frequently blocked highway-rail grade crossings in at least 10 states. It prohibits railroads from limiting inspection time and requires pre-departure railcar inspections. It convenes a meeting on emergency brake signals. It adds defect detection system requirements for Class I carriers. It establishes a minimum 2-person crew for freight trains operated by Class I railroads, with exceptions. It increases civil penalties for rail safety violations. It phases out older tank cars for Class 3 flammable liquids by December 31, 2027. It authorizes $22,000,000 for rail safety infrastructure research and development grants and $5,000,000 for tank car research and development. It requires a review of the Federal Railroad Administration's safety culture and a GAO report on roadway worker protections. It requires a review of safety workforce management and a revision of the Railroad Safety Series. It requires alcohol and drug testing for inspectors. It sets requirements for a confidential close call reporting system. It requires states to notify first responders about the AskRail application and establishes a pilot program for it. It increases funding for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program to $1,500,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. It establishes grant programs for onboard freight railcar telematics systems and a pilot program for sensor development. It requires regulations for train approach warning equipment. It expands the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council to include rail car lessors. Title II, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response and Preparedness, amends hazardous materials registration fees. It adds recommendations for virtual training options. It amends hazardous materials transportation emergency response and preparedness grants to allow purchase of personal protective equipment until September 31, 2026. It adds a new subsection on emergency response assistance for significant hazardous materials transportation incidents.