Rail Audit Transparency Act

Hozzl · 2023-03-09T17:47:48Z

Explore the details of House Bill 158 Rail Audit Transparency Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Transportation and Public Works. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/9/2023, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 158

Bill 117 HR 158, also known as the Rail Audit Transparency Act, was introduced in the US Congress to address concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the rail industry. The main purpose of this bill is to require the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to conduct audits of Class I rail carriers to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to provide transparency to the public.

The bill mandates that the STB conduct annual audits of Class I rail carriers, which are the largest freight railroads in the country. These audits will focus on various aspects of the rail carriers' operations, including their financial practices, safety protocols, and customer service standards. The goal of these audits is to identify any areas where the rail carriers may be falling short and to hold them accountable for any violations of federal regulations.

In addition to the audits, the bill also requires the STB to publish the results of these audits on its website and to provide a summary of the findings to Congress. This will ensure that the public and lawmakers are informed about the performance of the rail carriers and can take appropriate action if necessary. Overall, the Rail Audit Transparency Act aims to improve accountability and transparency in the rail industry by requiring regular audits of Class I rail carriers and making the results of these audits accessible to the public. This bill is an important step towards ensuring that the rail industry operates in a safe and efficient manner while also protecting the interests of consumers and shippers.

Congressional Summary of HR 158

Rail Audit Transparency Act

This bill requires the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide Congress with notice of when a comprehensive safety assessment is being conducted on an intercity or commuter rail transit agency.

Specifically, the FRA must (1) provide notice within 10 days after it initiates an assessment to specified congressional committees and each Member of Congress who represents a state in which the service that is subject of the assessment is located, and (2) report the findings of the assessment within 90 days after completion to such committees and Members.

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Current Status of Bill HR 158

Bill HR 158 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 4, 2021. Bill HR 158 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on January 4, 2021. Bill HR 158's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. as of February 4, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 158

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 158

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact Areas

Congressional oversightGovernment studies and investigationsPublic transitRailroadsTransportation safety and security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 158

Rail Audit Transparency ActTo require the Federal Railroad Administration to provide appropriate congressional notice of comprehensive safety assessments conducted with respect to intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation.Rail Audit Transparency Act

Start holding our government accountable!

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 158

Albio Sires

New Jersey(Democrat)

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