Safer Rail Crossing Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 7358
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Last Updated: 2026-03-12T18:56:57Z

AI-Generated Summary

The legislation aims to improve safety at rail crossings by directing federal support for state efforts to reduce deaths from trespassing on railroad tracks.
It focuses on clarifying how states can apply existing federal highway funds to such safety projects.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation, through the Federal Highway Administration, to issue guidance within one year of the bill's enactment.
The guidance must describe eligible projects under existing federal law (section 130(e)(1)(B) of title 23, United States Code) that states may fund using dedicated set-aside amounts (section 130(e)(1)(A) of the same title).
No new funding or mandates are created; the bill addresses the use of already allocated resources for trespassing reduction efforts.

Introduces a new requirement for the Department of Transportation to provide formal guidance on project eligibility, which was not previously mandated.
Does not alter the underlying funding structure or eligibility rules in title 23 but ensures clearer instructions for states on applying funds to trespassing-related safety measures.

On government agencies: The Federal Highway Administration must develop and release guidance, potentially standardizing state practices for rail safety projects.
On citizens: May lead to more targeted state initiatives that reduce trespassing fatalities, improving public safety near railroads.
On international relations: No direct effects identified.

State transportation departments, which would receive the new guidance for project planning.
The Federal Highway Administration and Department of Transportation, responsible for issuing the guidance.
Railroad operators and local communities, as the guidance could influence safety improvements at crossings.
The general public, particularly in areas with high rail trespassing risks.

The bill operates within existing federal authority over highway and rail safety programs, with no apparent constitutional concerns.
It emphasizes administrative guidance rather than new regulations, limiting its scope to clarifying current law.

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

2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2026-02-04: Introduced in House
2026-02-04: Introduced in House