D-BLOC Act

Don't BLock Our Communities Act or the D-BLOC Act

This bill prohibits railroad carriers from obstructing travel at public highway-rail crossings for more than 10 minutes, except under limited circumstances (e.g., safety issues).

The Department of Transportation (DOT) must investigate and send notices to carriers of repeated incidents; carriers are subject to civil penalties for violations that occur after having received notice. DOT must also establish a national database for the public to report such incidents.

Bill 117 hr 3698, also known as the D-BLOC Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of interoperability among public safety communications networks.

The D-BLOC Act aims to establish a dedicated public safety broadband spectrum, known as the D Block, which would be used exclusively for first responders and emergency personnel. This spectrum would allow for more efficient and effective communication during emergencies and natural disasters.

Additionally, the bill seeks to allocate funding for the deployment and maintenance of this dedicated spectrum, as well as for the development of new technologies and equipment to support public safety communications. Overall, the D-BLOC Act is designed to improve the coordination and communication capabilities of first responders and emergency personnel, ultimately enhancing public safety and response efforts in times of crisis.