In House Committee·Last action 448 days ago

HR928 Demands Safer Railways for Hazardous Materials

Officially: Railway Safety Act of 2025

HR928 aims to make railways safer by setting strict rules for trains carrying dangerous goods. Affects rail carriers, communities near tracks, and first responders with new safety measures.

Where it stands

Sitting in Railroads

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Safety regulations for hazardous materials trains: Requires advance notifications and sets standards for train operations.
Rail car inspections: Establishes minimum inspection times and ends abbreviated checks for hazardous materials cars.
Wayside defect detectors: Mandates installation on tracks used for hazardous materials, with specific performance standards.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Enhanced Safety: Supporters argue that the bill will prevent accidents by requiring better inspections and installing detectors that catch problems early.
Improved Emergency Response: By notifying local agencies and funding first responder training, communities will be better prepared for emergencies.
Crew Safety: A two-person crew requirement helps ensure that trains are operated safely, reducing the risk of human error.

✕Arguments against

Increased Costs: Opponents worry that the new requirements will be expensive for rail companies, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers.
Impact on Smaller Railroads: Smaller or regional rail companies might struggle to meet the new standards, affecting their operations.
Implementation Challenges: Installing new detectors and meeting crew requirements could be difficult and time-consuming.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. (2/4/2025)

FEB 4

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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HR928 Demands Safer Railways for Hazardous Materials

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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