HR 8012
HOWIE Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Bill overview
The HOWIE Act aims to improve safety along railroad tracks by requiring rail carriers to report damage when they suspect their actions caused it. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Transportation create regulations to update existing rules about reporting train accidents and related incidents, such as fires, that occur near tracks. This reporting requirement is triggered when a carrier has a reasonable suspicion of their involvement in the damage. The goal is to enhance accountability and facilitate investigations into potential safety issues.
Key provisions
- Railroad carriers must report damage when they suspect their actions caused it.
- Reporting applies to train accidents and incidents like fires alongside railroad tracks.
- The Secretary of Transportation will issue regulations to update existing reporting requirements.
- Regulations will be based on section 225.9 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
Who is affected
- Railroad carriers
- Federal Railroad Administration
- Department of Transportation
Notable changes
- Expands reporting requirements for railroad damage incidents.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
H. R. 8012
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring a rail carrier to report certain damage if such carrier has a reasonable suspicion that an action carried out by the carrier caused such damage.
This Act may be cited as the Helping Oversee and Ward off Infrastructure Emergencies Act HOWIE Act
or the
.
The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, shall issue such regulations as are necessary to update section 225.9 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to require a railroad to report a train accident resulting in damage described under such section, including any incident that causes a fire (including a brush fire) alongside a railroad track, if such railroad has a reasonable suspicion that an action carried out by the railroad caused such damage.