Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026

This bill enhances safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials and for other purposes. It includes provisions for high-hazard trains, long trains, blocked crossings, inspections, emergency brake signals, defect detection systems, crew size, penalties, tank cars, research grants, and emergency response.

Sec. 101, Definitions: Defines terms used in the title, including 'Secretary' as the Secretary of Transportation.

Sec. 102, Safety requirements for high-hazard trains: Amends existing law to define high-hazard trains and set tank car safety requirements for trains transporting explosives, flammable gases, and flammable liquids.

Sec. 103, Ensuring the safety of long trains: Requires the Secretary to evaluate safety concerns from reports on long trains and update regulations if necessary for safety.

Sec. 104, Blocked highway-rail grade crossings: Directs a study of the 20 most frequently blocked crossings in at least 10 states and recommendations to prevent extended blockages.

Sec. 105, Inspections: Prohibits railroads from limiting inspection time and requires the Secretary to amend pre-departure inspection requirements for Class I railroads.

Sec. 106, Emergency brake signals: Requires a meeting of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee to consider regulations on emergency brake signal communications.

Sec. 107, Defect detection systems: Adds a new section requiring covered rail carriers to use defect detection systems on main lines for high-hazard trains.

Sec. 108, Safe Freight Act of 2023: Requires a minimum 2-person crew for freight trains operated by Class I railroads, with exceptions for certain operations.

Sec. 109, Increased penalties for violations of rail safety regulations: Increases civil penalties for violations of rail safety requirements, regulations, or orders.

Sec. 110, Safer tank cars: Sets a phase-out schedule for tank cars transporting Class 3 flammable liquids, requiring compliance with DOT-117 specifications by December 31, 2027.

Sec. 111, Rail safety infrastructure research and development grants: Authorizes $22,000,000 for grants for research on defect detectors and derailment prevention for hazardous materials trains.

Sec. 112, Authorization of appropriations for tank car research and development: Authorizes $5,000,000 for developing stronger, safer tank cars and valves.

Sec. 113, Federal Railroad Administration safety culture: Requires a review of the FRA's safety culture and a report with recommendations.

Sec. 114, GAO report on roadway worker protections: Requires a review of technologies to protect roadway workers from being struck by trains and a report.

Sec. 115, Federal Railroad Administration safety workforce management: Requires a review of FRA safety inspector and specialist staff resource management.

Sec. 116, Office of Personnel Management review of safety inspector and specialist classifications: Requires a review and possible revision of the Railroad Safety Series job classification.

Sec. 117, Alcohol and drug testing: Requires the Secretary to amend regulations to subject employees who inspect locomotives or railcars to alcohol and drug testing.

Sec. 118, Confidential close call reporting system: Requires a confidential system for reporting close call events, allowing audio or video files and GPS coordinates.

Sec. 119, AskRail application: Requires state departments of transportation to notify first responders about the AskRail app to be eligible for certain financial assistance, and establishes a pilot program for connectivity.

Sec. 120, Increased funding for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program: Authorizes $1,500,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 for grade crossing elimination grants.

Sec. 121, Train approach warning: Requires railroads to provide warning equipment like whistles, horns, or flags to watchmen and lookouts, with verbal warnings only if within arm's reach.

Title II, Hazardous materials emergency response and preparedness: Amends hazardous materials registration fees, adds virtual training options, extends grants for emergency response and preparedness, and establishes emergency response assistance for significant incidents.