Troy Nehls (R-TX)
Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026 aims to improve safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials. It establishes new speed limits for high-hazard trains and mandates stricter tank car standards. The bill requires Class I railroads to provide real-time electronic train consist information to fusion centers and local agencies. It also implements new inspection requirements, defect detection system mandates, and crew size standards. Additionally, the act increases funding for railroad crossing elimination and hazardous materials emergency response.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill enhances safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials, reducing the risk of environmental damage.
- Scored +7
Would people in cities be better off under this?
Provides enhanced safety through speed limits for high-hazard trains in high-threat urban areas.
- Scored +6
Would union members be better off under this?
Improves safety through mandated crew sizes and protects roadway worker safety.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would business owners be better off under this?
Imposes new fees, higher penalties, and regulatory requirements on rail businesses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Train Safety through Speed Limits: The bill would require the Secretary to revise regulations to limit all trains to a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour, and specifically limit high-hazard trains carrying flammable liquids to 40 miles per hour in high-threat urban areas (Section 102(b)(2)).
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Improved Information Sharing for First Responders: Class I railroads would be required to generate accurate, real-time, and electronic train consist information to be shared with fusion centers and provided to first responders during emergencies (Section 102(b)(4)).
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Increased Security via Defect Detection: The bill mandates the development of risk-based defect detection system plans to identify unsafe equipment or operations in time to take safety actions (Section 107(b)).
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Mandated Crew Sizes for Safety: The Safe Freight Act of 2023 portion of this bill would require a minimum 2-person crew for many freight trains to improve safety (Section 108(a)).
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Enhanced Emergency Response Preparedness: The bill provides for hazardous materials transportation emergency response and preparedness grants to assist with training and equipment (Section s 203).
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Financial Assistance for Communities: An emergency response assistance program would provide immediate financial assistance to communities responding to significant hazardous materials transportation incidents (Section 204(b)(2)).
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Improved Roadway Worker Safety: The bill includes a study of technologies designed to protect roadway workers from being struck by trains and provides for warning equipment like whistles and lanterns (Section 104 and Section 121).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Phasing Out of Certain Tank Cars: Railroads must phase out certain tank cars used to transport Class 3 flammable liquids by December 31, 2027, unless the deadline is delayed due to manufacturing capacity or impacts on commerce (Section 110(a)).
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Increased Costs for Railroads: The bill imposes increased penalties for violations of rail safety regulations, with fines reaching up to $5,000,000 for certain violations (Section 109(a)(2)).
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New Fees for Hazardous Materials Registration: The bill establishes an annual fee for those required to file a hazardous materials registration statement, with fees ranging from $250 to $5,000 depending on business size (Section 201(a)(2)).
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Increased Regulatory Burdens for Railroads: Railroads are required to submit hazardous materials emergency response plans, which must be reviewed by the Secretary on a triennial basis (Section 102(b)(5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials, reducing the risk of environmental damage. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — Provides funding and assistance for communities responding to hazardous materials incidents. Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — Increases funding for railroad crossing elimination, which improves overall transit safety.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Authorizes funding for research and development of defect detectors and safer tank cars. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — Includes a pilot program to support broadband connectivity for emergency responders along rail lines.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases the regulatory authority of the Secretary of Transportation over railroad safety and inspections. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires publication of accident reports and safety data on public websites.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — Provides enhanced safety through speed limits for high-hazard trains in high-threat urban areas. Would union members be better off under this? — Improves safety through mandated crew sizes and protects roadway worker safety. Would business owners be better off under this? — Imposes new fees, higher penalties, and regulatory requirements on rail businesses.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances safety standards and information sharing for hazardous materials transport, which protects the general public.
- 3/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/25/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 2/24/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Christopher DeluzioDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts