Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 341

119th Congress

Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 13, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Frank J. Pallone Jr.

Representative

Democratic

NJ-6

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Summary

This bill gives states the authority to limit how long railroad carriers may block grade rail crossings. Currently, federal law preempts most state regulations on blocked crossings, leaving communities without recourse when trains block roads for extended periods. This legislation clarifies that federal transportation laws do not prevent states from setting time limits on crossing blockages, empowering local and state governments to address this longstanding public safety and emergency response concern.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill gives states the authority to limit how long railroad carriers may block grade rail crossings. Currently, federal law preempts most state regulations on blocked crossings, leaving communities without recourse when trains block roads for extended periods. This legislation clarifies that federal transportation laws do not prevent states from setting time limits on crossing blockages, empowering local and state governments to address this longstanding public safety and emergency response concern.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025This bill provides states with the authority to adopt or enact any law, regulation, order, or other requirement limiting the duration that a railroad carrier may block a grade rail crossing. Specifically, this bill states that federal transportation laws do not preempt a state from adopting or enacting these limits. As background, state and federal courts have generally found that state laws regarding obstructed crossings are preempted by one or more federal laws, thereby rendering the state laws unenforceable.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Authorizes states to set time limits on railroad grade crossing blockages
Clarifies federal law does not preempt state blocked crossing regulations
Addresses public safety concerns from extended train blockages
Enables emergency vehicle access when crossings are blocked
Gives states and localities tools to hold railroads accountable for delays

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

For local communities: Relief from prolonged crossing blockages affecting daily life. For emergency responders: Improved access when trains block routes to emergencies. For state governments: New authority to regulate crossing blockage duration. For railroad companies: Potential operational constraints and compliance requirements. For commuters and drivers: Reduced wait times at blocked crossings.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

341, 119th Congress (2025). "Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-341