Bills · HR 854
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 854Transportation and Public Works
DERAIL Act
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION FEB 1
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
16
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-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to improve public safety by tightening regulations around the rail transport of dangerous chemicals and improving emergency response. By expanding the definition of a "high-hazard flammable train," more trains would likely face stricter safety requirements, such as enhanced braking systems, speed restrictions, or updated routing, which could reduce the likelihood of catastrophic accidents involving flammable materials.
The requirement for rapid reporting of toxic materials after a derailment is crucial. It ensures that emergency services and local communities get vital information within 24 hours, which is essential for mounting an effective response, evacuating residents, and mitigating potential harm from exposure to deadly substances. If this bill passes, it could lead to fewer accidents and more effective management of those that do occur, potentially saving lives and preventing environmental disasters. If it doesn't pass, current regulations for "high-hazard" trains and emergency reporting would remain, which some argue are insufficient to protect communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to redefine "high-hazard flammable train" to include any train transporting one or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid or Class 2 flammable gas.
This significantly expands the number of trains that would be classified as "high-hazard," leading to more stringent safety regulations for them.
PROVISION 02
Requires railroad carriers to report to the National Response Center, State, local, and Tribal officials within 24 hours of any train derailment involving a train carrying material toxic by inhalation.
This ensures rapid notification to all relevant authorities about extremely dangerous substances after an accident, aiding immediate emergency response.
PROVISION 03
Amends section 171.8 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and Chapter 209 of title 49, United States Code, to implement these new definitions and reporting requirements.
This establishes the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for the new safety and reporting mandates.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 16
D· Pennsylvania
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
36
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 16 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSFEB 1
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
JAN 31
Introduced in House
JAN 31
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 854
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Last actionFeb 1, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025
House BillHR 854Transportation and Public Works
DERAIL Act
INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 1, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
16
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
