D-BLOC Act

Bill Number: H.R. 6790
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Last Updated: 2026-02-03T09:05:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Don't BLock Our Communities Act" (D-BLOC Act) aims to reduce disruptions caused by trains blocking public highway-rail grade crossings (locations where roads cross train tracks at the same level). It sets strict time limits on these blockages to improve traffic flow, safety, and emergency access, while establishing reporting, investigation, and penalty mechanisms for violations.

Key Provisions

10-Minute Blockage Limit: Railroad carriers cannot block a public highway-rail grade crossing for more than 10 minutes, except in cases like emergencies (e.g., accidents, injuries, derailments, acts of God), legal compliance needs, or when trains are fully within rail yards or sidings. A "blocked crossing incident" is defined as any stoppage by a train or rail equipment that obstructs road travel.
Investigation of Frequent Blockages: If a crossing experiences three or more blockages exceeding 10 minutes on at least three days within a 30-day period (reported via the national Blocked Crossing Portal), the Secretary of Transportation must notify the railroad, investigate causes, and explore ways to reduce future incidents.
Recordkeeping and Consultation: Railroads must maintain records of blockage incidents at flagged crossings, including causes, train lengths, and durations. The Secretary can consult with the railroad for up to 60 days to resolve issues. Recordkeeping ends if no reports occur for 365 days.
Civil Penalties: The Secretary can impose fines (under existing law) starting 60 days after notification, but with exemptions if no nearby alternate route exists (within half a mile) or if a grade separation project (an overpass or underpass to eliminate the crossing) is planned and funded. Penalties may increase for repeated incidents delaying emergency services.
Exemptions: The rules do not apply to Amtrak or commuter rail operations, even if run by larger railroads.
Blocked Crossing Portal Enhancements: Makes the existing national online reporting portal (launched in 2019) permanent by removing its three-year limit. Requires Class I railroads (major freight lines) to add a link to the portal on their websites within 60 days of enactment.
Railroad Point of Contact: Railroads must designate contacts for blockage reports, verify incidents over 10 minutes within 14 days, and enter verified reports into the portal. The Department of Transportation must publicly list these contact numbers online.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Adds a new section (20172) to title 49 of the U.S. Code, creating enforceable time limits and investigation processes for blockages—previously, no federal cap existed beyond voluntary guidelines.
Amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) to make the Blocked Crossing Portal ongoing, removing its expiration and adding a clause preserving the Secretary's broader authority over rail crossings.
Expands section 20152 of title 49, U.S. Code, to include blockage reports in required railroad contact protocols, mandating verification and portal entry—previously focused on other safety issues like trespassing or hazards.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: Could shorten traffic delays at crossings, improving daily commutes and access for emergency vehicles (e.g., ambulances), particularly in communities near rail lines.
On Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in monitoring, investigating, and enforcing rules, potentially requiring more resources for data analysis and consultations.
On Railroad Carriers: Imposes new compliance costs for recordkeeping, reporting, and avoiding penalties, which might encourage operational changes like shorter trains or rerouting.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic rail operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Railroad Carriers: Primarily Class I (large freight) railroads, who face new limits, reporting duties, and potential fines; Amtrak and commuter rails are exempt.
Local Communities and Road Users: Drivers, pedestrians, and residents near crossings benefit from reduced blockages; emergency services (police, fire, medical) gain from fewer delays.
Federal Agencies: Secretary of Transportation and FRA handle enforcement, investigations, and portal management.
Local Governments: Involved in approving grade separation projects that could exempt crossings from penalties.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Introduces civil penalties tied to a national reporting portal, strengthening federal oversight of rail safety without preempting state laws (as clarified in the bill). Exemptions for infrastructure projects promote long-term solutions like grade separations.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and rail safety under the Commerce Clause; no apparent free speech or property rights issues.
Political: Addresses widespread public frustration with blocked crossings in urban and rural areas, potentially boosting support for rail safety reforms while balancing industry concerns through exemptions and non-application to passenger rails.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

Recent Actions

2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2025-12-17: Introduced in House
2025-12-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Don’t BLock Our Communities Act — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (9 pages)