Bill · H.R. 8012· House(119-HR-8012)
HOWIE Act
- Introduced
- 3/19/2026
- Last activity
- 3/20/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Helping Oversee and Ward off Infrastructure Emergencies Act" or the "HOWIE Act," directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue new regulations. The Secretary will act through the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to update existing federal regulations. Specifically, the update focuses on requirements for railroads to report certain train accidents that result in damage. This includes incidents that cause a fire, such as a brush fire, near a railroad track. The reporting requirement is triggered if the railroad has a reasonable suspicion that its own actions caused the damage.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+4
The bill requires railroads to report incidents like brush fires that may cause environmental damage.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
The reporting of brush fires and track damage may help protect rural landscapes and residential areas near tracks.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill increases transparency by requiring railroads to report suspected damage caused by their actions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Accountability for Damage and Fires: The bill requires railroads to report accidents that cause damage, including fires like brush fires alongside tracks, if the railroad suspects its actions were the cause. This could lead to better oversight of how railroad operations impact the surrounding environment (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4Improves Roads And Bridges+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 3/20/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 3/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House