Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026

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)).

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)).

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)).

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)).

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).

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)).

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).

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)).

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)).

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)).

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)).