H.R.341 - Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.341, the Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code. The bill seeks to grant states the authority to regulate the duration that railroad carriers can block grade rail crossings. This would be achieved by adding provisions to sections 10501(c)(3) and 20106(a) of Title 49, explicitly stating that federal law does not preempt state laws related to limiting blocked crossings.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would shift some regulatory power over railroad operations from the federal government to state governments, specifically concerning blocked grade rail crossings. States could then implement their own laws and regulations to limit how long trains can block these crossings. This could lead to varying regulations across different states.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced traffic congestion: Limiting blocked crossings can alleviate traffic congestion and improve commute times.
- Improved emergency response times: Clearer crossings can allow emergency vehicles to reach their destinations faster.
- Enhanced local control: States can tailor regulations to their specific needs and circumstances.
- Increased safety: Reduced blockage times may decrease the risk of accidents at crossings.
- Greater accountability: Railroads may become more responsive to local concerns about blocked crossings.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for conflicting state regulations: Railroads operating in multiple states may face a patchwork of different regulations, increasing compliance costs.
- Possible legal challenges: The railroad industry may challenge the state regulations, leading to litigation.
- Increased operational complexity: Railroads may need to adjust their operations to comply with varying state laws, potentially affecting efficiency.
- Unintended consequences for freight movement: Restrictions on blocking crossings could disrupt freight schedules and increase shipping costs.
- Potential for economic impact: Increased costs for railroads could be passed on to consumers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution centers on the balance between federal and state powers, particularly concerning interstate commerce. While the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. This bill seeks to clarify the division of authority in a specific area, potentially aligning with the principles of federalism if it doesn't unduly burden interstate commerce. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights enumerated in the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).