Railway Safety Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2024-02-06T18:33:53Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 576 Railway Safety Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Transportation and Public Works. Stay informed on legislative developments.

2/6/2024, 6:33 PM

Congressional Summary of S 576

Railway Safety Act of 2023

This bill addresses safety requirements for rail carriers and trains transporting hazardous materials.

Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must issue safety regulations for trains carrying hazardous materials to require that rail carriers or shippers (1) provide state emergency response commissioners with advanced notice and information about the hazardous materials; (2) reduce blocked rail crossings; and (3) comply with certain requirements regarding train length and weight specifications, track standards, speed restrictions, and response plans.

DOT must also establish requirements for wayside defect detectors. These are used by railway systems alongside the tracks to detect defects and failures (e.g., wheel bearing failures). Current federal regulations do not require their use, but federal guidance does address their placement and use. Under the bill, DOT must issue regulations establishing requirements for the installation, repair, testing, maintenance, and operation of wayside defect detectors for each rail carrier operating a train carrying hazardous materials.

The bill also

increases the maximum fines DOT may impose on rail carriers for violating safety regulations,
requires DOT to update rail car inspection regulations and audit the federal inspection program,
requires a minimum two-person crew for certain freight trains,
phases out certain railroad tank cars by May 1, 2025 (four years sooner than required under current law),
expands training for local first responders,
imposes a new fee on certain rail carriers, and
provides funding for research and development to improve railway safety.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 576

Bill S 576 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 1, 2023. Bill S 576 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on March 1, 2023. Bill S 576's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 284. as of December 13, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 576

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 S 576

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact Areas

AccidentsAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresAppropriationsCivil actions and liabilityDepartment of TransportationFirst responders and emergency personnelHazardous wastes and toxic substancesInfrastructure developmentRailroadsResearch and developmentState and local government operationsTransportation programs fundingTransportation safety and securityUser charges and fees

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 576

Railway Safety Act of 2023Railway Safety Act of 2023Safe Freight Act of 2023Railway Safety Act of 2023Safe Freight Act of 2023A bill to enhance safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials, and for other purposes.

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