Bills · HR 7662
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7662Transportation and Public Works
Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 24· LAST ACTION FEB 25
READING
68MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly addresses concerns about railroad safety, particularly following recent train derailments involving hazardous materials. If this bill becomes law, it aims to reduce the risk of such accidents and lessen their impact when they do occur by requiring safer trains and faster, more informed emergency responses.
Currently, there are ongoing debates about the adequacy of existing rail safety regulations, especially concerning the transportation of highly flammable or toxic substances. This bill seeks to modernize and strengthen those regulations, making a tangible difference in the safety of communities along rail lines and protecting the environment from potential spills. If it doesn't become law, many of these enhanced safety measures, such as stricter speed limits for high-hazard trains, upgraded tank car requirements, and real-time information sharing with first responders, would not be implemented, potentially leaving communities and emergency services with current, less stringent protections.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Defines 'high-hazard train' to include trains carrying specific quantities of flammable liquids, toxic materials, radioactive waste, or explosives, and establishes new safety requirements for them.
This focuses stricter safety regulations on the types of trains posing the greatest risk in case of an accident.
PROVISION 02
Imposes maximum speed limits of 50 mph for all trains and 40 mph for high-hazard trains carrying flammable liquids in high-threat urban areas, unless those trains use stronger, updated tank cars.
Slower speeds can reduce the severity of derailments and provide more reaction time, especially in densely populated areas.
PROVISION 03
Requires large railroads to generate real-time, electronic information about hazardous materials on trains and share it securely with fusion centers and state/tribal emergency response commissions.
Providing immediate, accurate information to first responders significantly improves their ability to plan and execute an effective emergency response.
PROVISION 04
Requires the replacement or upgrade of certain tank cars carrying hazardous materials to meet or exceed specific DOT safety standards.
Stronger tank cars are less likely to rupture in an accident, preventing hazardous material spills and their associated dangers.
PROVISION 05
Amends existing law to increase penalties for violations of rail safety regulations.
Higher penalties can create a stronger deterrent against non-compliance with safety rules by railroad companies.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
31
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSFEB 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
FEB 24
Introduced in House
FEB 24
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.
FEB 24
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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7662
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 24, 2026
Last actionFeb 25, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 24, 2026
House BillHR 7662Transportation and Public Works
Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 24, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 25, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
68 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
