Railway Safety Act of 2026

The Railway Safety Act of 2026 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 specifications. Sec. 103 requires the Secretary to evaluate and update safety regulations for long trains within one year. Sec. 104 mandates a study of the 20 most frequently blocked highway-rail grade crossings in at least 10 states. Sec. 105 prohibits railroads from limiting inspection time and requires pre-departure inspection amendments for Class I railroads. Sec. 106 convenes a Railroad Safety Advisory Committee meeting on emergency brake signals within 30 days. Sec. 107 adds defect detection system requirements for main lines. Sec. 108 requires a 2-person crew for Class I freight trains, with exceptions. Sec. 109 increases civil penalties for rail safety violations to between $5,000 and $1,000,000. Sec. 110 phases out tank cars not meeting DOT-117 specifications by December 31, 2027. Sec. 111 authorizes $25,000,000 for rail safety research grants. Sec. 112 authorizes $5,000,000 for tank car research. Sec. 113 requires a DOT Inspector General review of FRA safety culture. Sec. 114 requires a GAO report on roadway worker protections. Sec. 115 requires a report on FRA safety workforce management. Sec. 116 requires OPM to review the Railroad Safety Series classification. Sec. 117 requires alcohol and drug testing for inspectors. Title II, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response and Preparedness, amends registration fees to range from $250 to $5,000. Sec. 202 adds virtual training options for hazardous materials courses. Sec. 203 amends emergency response grants to allow personal protective equipment purchases until 2031. Sec. 204 provides emergency response assistance for significant hazardous materials incidents.