RAIL Act

This bill sets new safety rules for trains that carry dangerous materials. The Transportation Department must require railroad companies to give advance notice to states about what hazardous materials they are transporting, reduce how long railroad crossings are blocked, and follow specific rules about train length, weight, speed, and emergency response plans. The bill also requires special detectors alongside tracks to spot problems like failing wheel bearings, updates inspection rules so railroad workers have enough time to safely check train cars, and requires freight trains to have at least two crew members with some exceptions. Additionally, it increases fines for safety violations, phases out certain tank cars by 2030, expands training for local emergency responders, and creates a new fee for some railroad companies.

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