Bill · S. 3987· Senate(119-S-3987)
Secure Tracks Act
- Introduced
- 3/4/2026
- Last activity
- 3/4/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Tammy Baldwin
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Secure Tracks Act aims to amend title 49 to include new requirements for visual and automated track inspections. It mandates that main line tracks used for Class 3 speeds or higher undergo visual inspections at least twice a week. The bill requires immediate remediation of any identified safety defects or unsafe conditions. It also grants qualified inspectors the authority to initiate remedial action and authorize movements for repairs. Additionally, the bill establishes specific frequencies for automated inspections using a Track Geometry Measurement System across various track classifications.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?+5
The bill enhances rail infrastructure safety through mandatory inspections and remediation requirements.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+3
By increasing track safety standards, the bill helps ensure the reliability of rail transit systems.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill increases federal oversight by mandating specific inspection frequencies and restricting waivers.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
The increased frequency of required inspections and remediation may impose higher operational costs on railroad companies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Safety through Frequent Visual Inspections: All main line track designated for operation at Class 3 speeds or higher must be visually inspected at least twice a week, with at least one calendar day between inspections. (Section 2(a)(b))
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Rapid Response to Hazards: Any defect or unsafe condition found during any type of inspection must be corrected, protected, or removed from service immediately. (Section 2(a)(c))
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Empowered Inspectors: A qualified inspector who finds a deviation from safety requirements has the authority to immediately initiate remedial action and has the sole authority to authorize movements to facilitate repairs on track that is out of service. (Section 2(a)(d))
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Prevention of Safety Gaps via Waivers: The Secretary of Transportation is prohibited from granting waivers or exemptions if the proposed alternative inspection method fails to detect all defect conditions recognized as unsafe under Federal Railroad Administration regulations. (Section 2(a)(e))
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Standardized Automated Oversight: The bill requires the Secretary to implement specific automated track inspection frequencies using a Track Geometry Measurement System across various track classes to ensure consistent monitoring. (Section 2(a)(f))
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Mandatory Remediation of Deviations: The Secretary is required to ensure that when any inspection finds a deviation, the deviation must be immediately remediated. (Section 2(a)(g))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated 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 Roads And Bridges+5Improves Public Transit+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Interstate Commerce+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+2Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Urban Residents+1Good For Business Owners-2
- 3/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Josh HawleyRepublican · Missouri