Summary:
Pets on Trains Act of 2013 - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to propose a pet policy that allows passengers to transport domesticated cats or dogs on certain Amtrak trains.

Requires Amtrak to collect a fee for each cat or dog transported by a ticketed passenger to cover administrative costs.

Declares that the proposed policy shall be separate from and in addition to the policy governing Amtrak passengers traveling with service animals.

pets directs national railroad passenger corporation amtrak propose pet policy allows passengers transport domesticated cats dogs certain amtrak trains requires amtrak collect fee cat dog transported ticketed passenger cover administrative costs declares proposed policy shall separate addition policy governing amtrak passengers traveling service animals


Summary: Safe Freight Act - Prohibits the operation of a freight train or light locomotive engine used in the movement of freight unless it has a crew of at least two individuals, one of whom is certified by the Federal Rail Administration as a locomotive operator and the other as a train conductor.

safe freight act prohibits operation freight train light locomotive engine movement freight crew individuals certified locomotive operator train


Summary:
Railway Inspection and Transparency Act - Directs the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to require each railroad carrier to arrange for an independent inspection by a professional engineer of: (1) all railroad bridges at least biennially, and (2) all railroad signals and switches at least semiannually.

Requires: (1) each railroad carrier to provide inspection results to the FRA, and (2) the FRA to make those results available to the public.

transparency act directs federal_railroad_administration fra require railroad carrier arrange independent inspection professional engineer railroad bridges biennially railroad signals switches semiannually requires railroad carrier provide inspection results fra fra results available public


Summary:
Commuter Rail Passenger Safety Act - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to make the installing of positive train control systems eligible for railroad rehabilitation and improvement direct loans and loan guarantees.

Extends the railroad safety technology grants program for FY2014-FY2018.

commuter safety act amends railroad revitalization regulatory reform act installing positive train control systems eligible railroad rehabilitation improvement direct loans loan guarantees extends railroad safety technology grants program fy2014-fy2018


Summary:
Responsible Rail and Deterring Deficiency Act - Declares that the Congress determines that a certain California high-speed train project would not be adequately served by continuation of federal assistance.

Directs the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), based upon that determination, to exercise its right under the grant agreement (entered into between the FRA and the California High Speed Rail Authority numbered FR-HSR-0009-10-01-05 on December 5, 2012) to suspend any further financial assistance for the project until: (1) the California High Speed Rail Authority certifies to the FRA that it has access to state funds, or other non-federal funds, in the amounts specified in the grant agreement and such funds are available to meet the Authority's financial obligations under that agreement; or (2) September 30, 2017.

Prohibits the FRA from amending, supplementing, or otherwise changing the terms of the grant agreement until the requirements for suspension of federal assistance have been met.

responsible rail deterring deficiency act declares congress determines certain california high speed train project adequately served continuation federal assistance directs federal_railroad_administration fra based determination exercise right grant agreement entered fra numbered december suspend financial assistance project certifies fra access state funds non federal funds amounts specified grant agreement funds available meet authority financial obligations agreement september prohibits fra amending supplementing changing terms grant agreement requirements suspension federal assistance met


Summary:
Altamont Corridor Rail Improvement Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make allocations for capital investment grants for FY2015-FY2024 for any remaining preliminary engineering and final design and construction of the Altamont Corridor Rail Project (California).

Allows for the use of any alternative analysis or environmental impact report relating the Project to satisfy Federal Railroad Administration capital assistance requirements for new fixed guideway capital projects.

corridor rail improvement act authorizes secretary transportation dot allocations capital investment grants remaining preliminary engineering final design construction california allows use alternative analysis environmental impact report relating project satisfy federal_railroad_administration capital assistance requirements new fixed guideway capital projects


Summary: Requires a rail carrier to have a storage plan, meeting specified requirements and approved by the Surface Transportation Board, for any of its rail cars that it stores for three or more years, and continues to store, on tracks (except rail yard or storage yard tracks) that pass through a commercial- or residential-zoned area that were designed or previously used for through transportation of trains.

requires rail carrier storage plan meeting specified requirements approved surface_transportation_board rail cars stores years continues store tracks rail yard storage yard tracks pass residential zoned area designed previously transportation trains


Summary:
Tank Car Safety Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to revise federal regulations regarding DOT-111 tank cars used to move flammable liquids to: (1) improve tank car design standards for new cars to include an outer steel jacket around it and thermal protection, full-height head shields, and high-flow capacity pressure relief valves; and (2) require additional safety upgrades to tank cars built after October 2011 by including installation of such valves and design modifications to prevent bottom outlets from opening in case of accident.

Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a plan to phase out older-model DOT-111 tank cars that are not retrofitted to meet the new federal requirements.

tank car safety act directs secretary transportation dot revise federal regulations dot-111 tank cars flammable liquids improve tank car design standards new cars include outer steel thermal protection height head shields high flow capacity pressure relief valves require additional safety upgrades tank cars built october including installation valves design modifications prevent outlets opening case accident directs secretary submit congress plan phase older model dot-111 tank cars retrofitted meet new federal requirements


Summary:
RESPONSE Act of 2014 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish the Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation Subcommittee of the National Advisory Council.

Directs the Subcommittee to evaluate the following topics and develop recommendations for improving emergency responder training and resource allocation for hazardous materials incidents involving railroads:

 the quality and application of training for local emergency first responders related to rail hazardous materials incidents, with a particular focus on local emergency responders and small communities near railroads; the effectiveness of funding levels related to training local emergency responders for rail hazardous materials incidents, with a particular focus on local emergency responders and small communities; a strategy for integration of commodity flow studies, mapping, and access platforms for local emergency responders and how to increase the rate of access to the individual responder in existing or emerging communications technology; the need for emergency response plans for rail, similar to existing law related to maritime and stationary facility emergency response plans for hazardous materials; the need for a rail hazardous materials incident database; increasing access to relevant, useful, and timely information for the local emergency responder for training purposes and in the event of a rail hazardous materials incident; and determining the most appropriate agencies and offices for the implementation of the recommendations. Terminates the Subcommittee not later than four years after this Act's enactment, subject to one year extensions.

response act amends homeland security act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish national_advisory_council directs subcommittee evaluate following topics develop recommendations improving emergency responder training resource allocation hazardous materials incidents involving railroads quality application training local emergency responders related rail hazardous materials incidents particular focus local emergency responders small communities near railroads effectiveness funding levels related training local emergency responders rail hazardous materials incidents particular focus local emergency responders small communities strategy integration commodity flow studies mapping access platforms local emergency responders increase rate access individual responder existing emerging communications technology need emergency response plans rail similar existing law related maritime stationary facility emergency response plans hazardous materials need rail hazardous materials incident database increasing access relevant useful timely information local emergency responder training purposes event rail hazardous materials incident determining appropriate agencies offices implementation recommendations terminates subcommittee later years act enactment subject year extensions


Summary:
Safer Trucks and Buses Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that covered motor carrier data is not made available to the public, and prohibits such data from being used in a civil action for damages resulting from an incident involving a motor carrier, until the Secretary submits a report certifying that recommendations required by this Act have been implemented.

Defines "covered motor carrier data" as data generated with respect to a motor carrier under the Compliance, Safety, Accountability initiative of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

 Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report that contains recommendations on how to improve such initiative, including by ensuring that it:

 utilizes and generates only safety data and scores determined to be predictive of motor carrier accidents, appropriately addresses concerns relating to the age of utilized safety data, does not unfairly harm small motor carriers as a result of limited safety data availability, appropriately addresses differences between motor carriers transporting passengers and those transporting freight, generates safety data that allows individual motor carriers and their safety scores to be effectively compared, and utilizes accurate safety data. Establishes deadlines for such report, for implementation of such recommendations, and for certification of such implementation.

directs secretary transportation dot ensure covered motor carrier data available public prohibits data civil action damages resulting incident involving motor carrier secretary submits report certifying recommendations required act implemented defines covered motor carrier data data generated respect motor carrier compliance safety accountability initiative federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration requires secretary submit congress report contains recommendations improve initiative including ensuring utilizes generates safety data scores determined predictive motor carrier accidents appropriately addresses concerns relating age utilized safety data unfairly harm small motor carriers result limited safety data availability appropriately addresses differences motor carriers transporting passengers transporting freight generates safety data allows individual motor carriers safety scores effectively compared utilizes accurate safety data establishes deadlines report implementation recommendations certification implementation


Summary: Allows railroad employees to remain or go on duty for a period in excess of the limitations established under hours-of-service requirements to the extent necessary to clear a blockage of vehicular traffic at a grade crossing.

allows railroad employees remain duty period excess limitations established hours service requirements extent necessary clear blockage vehicular traffic grade crossing


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make appropriate arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council to study the cost and impact of rerouting freight rail traffic of hazardous material to avoid its transportation through urban areas.

directs secretary transportation dot appropriate arrangements transportation_research_board national_academy_of_sciences national_academy_of_engineering institute_of_medicine national_research_council study cost impact freight rail traffic hazardous material avoid transportation urban areas


Summary: Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for railroad track maintenance, to: (1) expand the types of maintenance expenditures eligible for such credit, and (2) extend such credit through 2016.

short line railroad rehabilitation investment act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit railroad track maintenance expand types maintenance expenditures eligible credit extend credit


Summary:
Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2013 - Amends the Clayton Act to grant the United States exclusive authority to bring suit for injunctive relief against a common carrier that is not a rail common carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

Revises provisions prohibiting anticompetitive transactions except for those approved by specified federal agencies acting under certain statutes to eliminate the exemption for certain STB approved transactions.

Provides that, in any civil action against a rail common carrier, the U.S. district court shall not be required to defer to the primary jurisdiction of the STB.

Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate, and engage in antitrust enforcement regarding, collective rate agreements and certain transactions, including railroad mergers and acquisitions.

Permits treble damages against railroad common carriers in antitrust suits to parties injured by antitrust violations without regard to whether such railroads have filed rates or whether a complaint challenging rates has been filed.

Amends federal transportation law to terminate the exemptions from antitrust laws for collective ratemaking agreements.

Requires the STB, when reviewing a proposed agreement, to take into account its impact upon shippers, consumers, and affected communities.

Revises STB authority to provide that a rail carrier, corporation, or a person participating in an approved transaction is not exempt from specified antitrust laws. Makes such provision inapplicable to any transaction relating to the pooling of railroad cars approved by the STB or its predecessor agency.

railroad_antitrust_enforcement_act amends clayton act grant united_states exclusive authority bring suit injunctive relief common carrier rail common carrier subject jurisdiction surface_transportation_board stb revises provisions prohibiting anticompetitive transactions approved specified federal agencies acting certain statutes eliminate exemption certain stb approved transactions provides civil action rail common carrier district court shall required defer primary jurisdiction stb empowers_the_federal_trade_commission ftc regulate engage antitrust enforcement collective rate agreements certain transactions including railroad mergers acquisitions permits treble damages railroad common carriers antitrust suits parties injured antitrust violations regard railroads filed rates complaint challenging rates filed amends federal transportation law terminate exemptions antitrust laws collective ratemaking agreements requires stb reviewing proposed agreement account impact shippers consumers affected communities revises stb authority provide rail carrier corporation person participating approved transaction exempt specified antitrust laws makes provision inapplicable transaction relating pooling railroad cars approved stb predecessor agency


Summary:
Railroad Safety and Positive Train Control Extension Act - Revises the railroad safety risk reduction program.

Extends from December 31, 2015, to December 31, 2020, the deadline for submission to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) by each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation of a plan for implementing a positive train control (PTC) system on certain of its tracks.

Authorizes the Secretary to extend the implementation deadline, upon application, in one-year increments, if specified circumstances exist.

Directs the Secretary to revise federal regulations requiring a Class II or III railroad (including a tourist or excursion railroad) to equip its locomotives with an onboard PTC system to operate in PTC territory.

Extends for five years the time for such railroad to meet the deadline for equipping its locomotives with a PTC system.

railroad safety risk reduction program extends december december deadline submission secretary transportation dot class railroad carrier entity providing regularly scheduled intercity commuter rail passenger transportation plan implementing positive train control ptc system certain tracks authorizes secretary extend implementation deadline application year increments specified circumstances exist directs secretary revise federal regulations requiring class iii railroad including tourist railroad equip locomotives onboard ptc system operate ptc territory extends years time railroad meet deadline equipping locomotives ptc system


Summary: Short Line Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to award grants to private or nonprofit organizations involved in, or affiliated with, transportation by regional (Class II) railroads and shortline (Class III) railroads for research, development, evaluation, and training efforts to enhance rail safety practices and safety culture.

authorizes secretary transportation dot award grants private nonprofit organizations involved affiliated transportation regional class railroads class iii railroads research development evaluation training efforts enhance rail safety practices safety culture


Summary:
RESPONSE Act of 2014 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish the Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation Subcommittee of the National Advisory Council.

Directs the Subcommittee to develop recommendations for improving emergency responder training and resource allocation, including regarding:

 the quality and application of training for local emergency first responders related to rail hazardous materials incidents, with a particular focus on local emergency responders and small communities near railroads; the effectiveness of funding levels related to training local emergency responders for rail hazardous materials incidents, with a particular focus on local emergency responders and small communities; a strategy for integration of commodity flow studies, mapping, and access platforms for local emergency responders and how to increase the rate of access to the individual responder in communications technology; the lack of emergency response plans for rail, similar to existing law related to maritime and stationary facility emergency response plans; the development of a train incident database; increasing access to relevant, useful, and timely information for the local emergency responder; and determining the most efficient agencies and offices for the implementation of the recommendations. Terminates the Subcommittee not later than four years after this Act's enactment, subject to one year extensions.

response act amends homeland security act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish national_advisory_council directs subcommittee develop recommendations improving emergency responder training resource allocation including quality application training local emergency responders related rail hazardous materials incidents particular focus local emergency responders small communities near railroads effectiveness funding levels related training local emergency responders rail hazardous materials incidents particular focus local emergency responders small communities strategy integration commodity flow studies mapping access platforms local emergency responders increase rate access individual responder communications technology lack emergency response plans rail similar existing law related maritime stationary facility emergency response plans development train incident database increasing access relevant useful timely information local emergency responder determining efficient agencies offices implementation recommendations terminates subcommittee later years act enactment subject year extensions


Summary:
Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014 - Reauthorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for FY2015-FY2020 to carry out rail safety activities for the safe transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat).

Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations or issue orders to require, in cases where two or more railroads jointly operate within a small geographic area, all such host railroads to develop uniform operating rules for all operations within the area.

Reauthorizes appropriations for the railroad safety technology grants program for FY2015-FY2020.

Directs the Secretary and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to coordinate to assess electromagnetic spectrum needs and availability for implementing positive train control systems.

Requires a working alerter in the controlling locomotive of each intercity rail passenger train.

Requires each Class I railroad carrier and each railroad carrier that provides intercity rail passenger or commuter rail passenger transportation to install inward- and outward-facing audio and image recording devices in all controlling locomotive cabs and cab car operating compartments.

Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to implement the requirement for a fatigue management plan.

Prescribes certain requirements for the operation of high-hazard flammable trains, including installation of wayside defective bearing detectors.

Directs the Secretary to require approval of each oil spill prevention and response plan submitted to the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (for tank cars) to ensure it meets all Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.

Revises positive train control systems requirements.

Requires each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing intercity or commuter rail passenger carrier transportation to develop and submit to the Secretary a plan for implementing a positive train control system by December 31, 2015, on its main line over which 20 or more tank cars loaded with petroleum crude oil are transported.

Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to private or nonprofit organizations involved in, or affiliated with, transportation by regional (Class II) railroads and shortline (Class III) railroads for research, development, evaluation, and training efforts to enhance rail safety practices and safety culture.

Requires the Secretary to conduct accident analysis and mitigation research on the safety risks of transporting energy products by rail.

Prescribes requirements for:

 repair and replacement of damaged track inspection equipment; high density commuter rail track, automated track geometry, and automated train control inspections; and the securement of unattended freight train and vehicle equipment. Directs the Secretary to develop:

 an implementation plan for oversight of railroad safety risk reduction programs, and a long-range strategic human capital plan for the FRA. Revises and increases civil penalties for violations of rail safety regulations, DOT orders, accident and incident reporting or investigation requirements, as well as employee hours of service and sleeping quarters requirements.

Requires reports to Congress on the progress of Metro-North Commuter Railroad in implementing certain directives and recommendations.

Repeals the requirement for an FRA study of the use of reports and studies.

Requires each Class I railroad carrier, each railroad carrier that has inadequate safety performance, and each railroad carrier that provides intercity rail passenger or commuter rail passenger transportation to establish a confidential close call reporting system.

Prohibits a freight train or light engine used to move freight from operating unless it has a crew of at least two individuals of which:

 one is certified as a locomotive operator, and one is certified as a train conductor.

rail safety improvement act reauthorizes appropriations secretary transportation dot carry rail safety activities safe transportation hazardous materials hazmat authorizes secretary promulgate regulations issue orders require cases railroads jointly operate small geographic area host railroads develop uniform operating rules operations area reauthorizes appropriations railroad safety technology grants program directs secretary chairman federal_communications_commission coordinate assess electromagnetic spectrum needs availability implementing positive train control systems requires working controlling locomotive intercity rail passenger train requires class railroad carrier railroad carrier provides intercity rail passenger commuter rail passenger transportation install outward facing audio image recording devices controlling locomotive cab car operating compartments requires secretary promulgate regulations implement requirement fatigue management plan prescribes certain requirements operation high hazard flammable trains including installation defective bearing detectors directs secretary require approval oil spill prevention response plan submitted administrator federal_railroad_administration fra tank cars ensure meets department_of_transportation dot requirements revises positive train control systems requirements requires class railroad carrier entity providing intercity commuter rail passenger carrier transportation develop submit secretary plan implementing positive train control system december main line tank cars loaded petroleum crude oil transported authorizes secretary award grants private nonprofit organizations involved affiliated transportation regional class railroads class iii railroads research development evaluation training efforts enhance rail safety practices safety culture requires secretary conduct accident analysis mitigation research safety risks transporting energy products rail prescribes requirements repair replacement damaged track inspection equipment high density commuter rail track automated track geometry automated train control inspections freight train vehicle equipment directs secretary develop implementation plan oversight railroad safety risk reduction programs long range strategic human capital plan fra revises increases civil penalties violations rail safety regulations dot orders accident incident reporting investigation requirements employee hours service sleeping quarters requirements requires reports congress progress metro north commuter railroad implementing certain directives recommendations repeals requirement fra study use reports studies requires class railroad carrier railroad carrier inadequate safety performance railroad carrier provides intercity rail passenger commuter rail passenger transportation establish confidential close reporting system prohibits freight train light engine freight operating crew individuals certified locomotive operator certified train


Summary:
Toxics by Rail Accountability and Community Knowledge (TRACK) Act of 2014 - Requires railroad carriers found at fault for an unintended release of hazardous materials (hazmat) due to a railroad accident or incident during calendar year 2010 to:

 review periodically any post-accident public health assessments of hazmat-exposed individuals who could experience long-lasting or irreversible health effects; inform those individuals in a timely manner of any health information, including information on long-lasting or irreversible health consequences; and offer to renegotiate any legal settlements made to affected individuals in which additional information about potential for such consequences has been later disclosed in a post-accident public health assessment. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe regulations:

 requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat to give first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel accurate and current commodity flow data and assist with the development of emergency operations and hazmat response plans for railroad accidents or incidents; and establishing a procedure for railroad carriers to permit a train to pass a red signal at a moveable bridge. Requires the Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, to develop route safety and security risk assessment tools for short line and regional railroad carriers.

Revises the railroad safety risk reduction program by requiring railroad carriers to develop a comprehensive program to improve safety by reducing the number and rates of accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities (as under current law) through the use of safety management systems and their associated key principles, analysis of operational incidents and accidents, and continuous evaluation and improvement programs.

Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat to:

 give first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel real-time information regarding hazmat on the train in the event of an incident, accident, or emergency; and develop a public education program for communities along railroad hazmat routes. Prescribes certain civil penalties for any railroad carrier that violates a requirement or regulation under this Act.

toxics community knowledge track act requires railroad carriers found fault unintended release hazardous materials hazmat railroad accident incident calendar year review periodically post accident public health assessments hazmat exposed individuals experience long lasting irreversible health effects inform individuals timely manner health information including information long lasting irreversible health consequences offer renegotiate legal settlements affected individuals additional information potential consequences later disclosed post accident public health assessment directs secretary transportation dot prescribe regulations requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat responders emergency response officials law enforcement personnel accurate current commodity flow data assist development emergency operations hazmat response plans railroad accidents incidents establishing procedure railroad carriers permit train pass red signal moveable bridge requires secretary collaboration secretary homeland_security dhs american short line regional railroad association develop route safety security risk assessment tools short line regional railroad carriers revises railroad safety risk reduction program requiring railroad carriers develop comprehensive program improve safety reducing number rates accidents incidents injuries fatalities current law use safety management systems associated key principles analysis operational incidents accidents continuous evaluation improvement programs directs secretary prescribe regulations requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat responders emergency response officials law enforcement personnel real time information hazmat train event incident accident emergency develop public education program communities railroad hazmat routes prescribes certain civil penalties railroad carrier violates requirement regulation act


Summary: This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to assess a civil penalty of $10,000 against a railroad carrier for each complete hour in which a shift change of rail carrier employees causes a blockage of vehicular traffic at a grade crossing.

bill directs secretary transportation assess civil penalty railroad carrier complete hour shift change rail carrier employees causes blockage vehicular traffic grade crossing


Summary:
Moving Obstructed Trains In-between Openings Now (MOTION) Act

Allows railroad employees to remain or go on duty for a period in excess of the limitations established under hours-of-service requirements to the extent necessary to clear a blockage of vehicular traffic at a grade crossing.

moving trains motion act allows railroad employees remain duty period excess limitations established hours service requirements extent necessary clear blockage vehicular traffic grade crossing


Summary:
Pets on Trains Act of 2015

 Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to propose a pet policy that allows passengers to transport domesticated cats or dogs on certain Amtrak trains.

Requires Amtrak to collect a fee for each cat or dog transported by a ticketed passenger to cover administrative costs.

Declares that the proposed policy shall be separate from and in addition to the policy governing Amtrak passengers traveling with service animals.

pets directs national_railroad_passenger_corporation amtrak propose pet policy allows passengers transport domesticated cats dogs certain amtrak trains requires amtrak collect fee cat dog transported ticketed passenger cover administrative costs declares proposed policy shall separate addition policy governing amtrak passengers traveling service animals


Summary:
Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act

This bill reauthorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for FY2016-FY2019, at levels reduced from those for FY2006-FY2009, for capital grants to states for rail line relocation and improvement projects.

bill reauthorizes appropriations secretary transportation fy2016 fy2019 levels reduced capital grants states rail line relocation improvement projects


Summary:
Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for railroad track maintenance, to: (1) expand the types of maintenance expenditures eligible for such credit, and (2) extend such credit through 2016.


Summary:
Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015

TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 to the Secretary of Transportation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for:

 the Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account, the National Network account, the Office of the Inspector General, and national infrastructure investment capital grants. TITLE II--AMTRAK REFORM

(Sec. 201) Directs Amtrak to establish internal controls to ensure its costs and revenues are allocated to either the Northeast Corridor or the National Network.

Directs the Secretary to establish substantive and procedural requirements for Northeast Corridor and National Network investment capital grant requests.

Directs Amtrak to establish:

 a Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account for Northeast Corridor capital improvement projects, and a National Network account for capital expenses and operating costs of the National Network. Requires Amtrak, before entering into contracts exceeding $100 million to purchase rolling stock, to submit to the Secretary and Congress a business case analysis on the utility of such a purchase.

Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to:

 develop an annual capital investment plan for the Northeast Corridor main line between Boston, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, and the Northeast Corridor branch lines connecting to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Spuyten Duyvil, New York; and update, once every 10 years, a Northeast Corridor service development plan. Requires Amtrak, and states and public entities that own infrastructure supporting or providing intercity rail passenger transportation on the Northeast Corridor, to develop and update asset management plans for the Northeast Corridor main line and the Northeast Corridor branch lines.

(Sec. 202) Requires the Amtrak Board of Directors to prepare a five-year capital and operating plan for the Northeast Corridor and National Network.

(Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish a State-Supported Route Advisory Committee.

Requires Amtrak to transmit to Congress and to each state that sponsors a state-supported route an annual cost, service, and ridership forecast for each route for the upcoming year, including quarterly updates to enable states to pace costs against state budgets, plan effectively, and address unexpected changes in costs in a timely manner.

(Sec. 204) Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to revise requirements with respect to methodologies for Amtrak route and service planning decisions. Requires Amtrak, as a condition of receiving a grant, to obtain the services of an independent entity to develop and recommend objective methodologies for Amtrak to use in the planning of intercity rail passenger transportation routes and services.

(Sec. 205) Revises alternate passenger rail service pilot program requirements.

Requires the Surface Transportation Board, within 120 days after submission of a dispute between Amtrak and a rail carrier (or carriers) awarded the right to provide rail service over a route in which Amtrak is to grant access to its reservation system, stations, and facilities, to issue an order requiring Amtrak to provide such facilities and services to those carriers if certain criteria are met.

(Sec. 206) Directs Amtrak to develop a plan to eliminate the operating loss for food and beverage service on board its trains.

Bars the use of federal funds, beginning five years after enactment of this Act, to cover any such loss on a route operated either by Amtrak or by an alternative passenger rail service provider in lieu of Amtrak.

(Sec. 207) Directs Amtrak to request proposals from private sector persons or entities to utilize Amtrak-owned rights-of-way for telecommunications systems, energy distribution systems, and other appropriate activities. Authorizes Amtrak to enter into an agreement to implement any such proposal or proposals. (Sec. 208) Requires Amtrak to report to Congress on options to enhance development around Amtrak stations. (Sec. 209) Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to extend indefinitely specified authority to restructure long-term Amtrak debt and capital leases. (Sec. 210) Directs Amtrak to:

 develop a pilot program to allow passengers to transport domesticated cats or dogs on certain Amtrak trains, and collect fees for each cat or dog (except service animals) transported by a ticketed passenger. Bars the use of federal funds to implement this program.

(Sec. 211) Directs the Amtrak Inspector General to:

 evaluate Amtrak's boarding procedures for passengers, including passengers using or transporting non-motorized transportation such as wheelchairs and bicycles at its 10 stations through which the most people pass; and make recommendations to improve such procedures. TITLE III--INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL POLICY

 (Sec. 301) Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to develop, and update, a Northeast Corridor Priority Project List of capital improvement projects along the Northeast Corridor.

Directs the Secretary to develop a program to issue competitive grants for listed projects included in the List.

Limits grants to up to 50% of net project costs.

(Sec. 302) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to revise Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program requirements. Modifies application procedures for direct loans and loan guarantees for railroad improvement projects.

Requires the Secretary, in granting applications for such loans and guarantees, to give priority to projects for the installation of a positive train control.

(Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to make direct loans and loan guarantees for capital improvement projects in the Northeast Corridor (NEC Fast Forward Program).

Increases from 15 to 30 days the period for notice and opportunity for public comment before the Secretary waives Buy American requirements for the use of U.S. steel, iron, and manufactured goods in intercity passenger rail service corridor capital projects.

(Sec. 304) Prescribes requirements for the award of large capital project grants in excess of $1 billion.

(Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to study the availability and use of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and certain veteran-owned small businesses in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-funded intercity rail passenger transportation projects.

Requires the use for this study of $3 million of the amounts made available for each of FY2016 and FY2017 to the Office of the Secretary and the FRA.

(Sec. 306) Directs the FRA to convene a working group to evaluate the restoration of intercity rail passenger service in the Gulf Coast region between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida.

(Sec. 307) Revises the composition of the Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to include nonprofit organizations representing employees who perform overhaul and maintenance of passenger railroad equipment.

Repeals the authority of Amtrak and states participating in the Committee to establish a corporation, which may be owned or jointly-owned by Amtrak, participating states, or other entities, to enter into agreements for the funding, procurement, remanufacture, ownership, and management of corridor equipment, including equipment currently owned or leased by Amtrak and next-generation corridor equipment acquired as a result of the Committee's actions.

(Sec. 308) Directs the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Committee to report to Congress an analysis of the implementation of nonstop, high-speed express passenger rail service in the Northeast Corridor. Requires the Amtrak Board of Directors, within 90 days after submitting the report, to consider implementing such services.

TITLE IV--PROJECT DELIVERY

 (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to begin a rulemaking to govern the federal review, permitting, and approval or disapproval of freight railroad and intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation infrastructure projects.

(Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to: (1) pursue program alternatives to promote a consistent approach in the treatment of railroad and rail-related properties for historic preservation review, and (2) develop mechanisms for streamlining compliance with specified requirements.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

 (Sec. 501) Defines the term "Secretary" to mean the Secretary of Transportation.

(Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to require:

 each state (other than the 10 States with the most highway-rail grade crossing collisions over the past three years) to develop, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, a state highway-rail grade crossing action plan; and each of the 10 states with the most collisions to update its plan and report to the Secretary what it did to implement it. (Sec. 504) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate the effectiveness of the FRA's rule:

 on the use of locomotive horns at rail crossings, and in establishing quiet zones.

passenger investment act title authorization appropriations sec authorizes appropriations fy2016 fy2019 secretary amtrak account account office_of_the_inspector_general national infrastructure investment capital grants title amtrak reform sec directs amtrak establish internal controls ensure costs revenues allocated northeast corridor directs secretary establish substantive procedural requirements northeast corridor investment capital grant requests directs amtrak establish northeast corridor improvement fund account northeast corridor capital improvement projects account capital expenses operating costs requires_amtrak entering contracts exceeding million purchase rolling stock submit secretary congress business case analysis utility purchase requires develop annual capital investment plan northeast corridor main line boston massachusetts district_of_columbia northeast corridor branch lines connecting pennsylvania springfield massachusetts new_york update years northeast corridor service development plan requires_amtrak states public entities infrastructure supporting providing intercity rail passenger transportation northeast corridor develop update asset management plans northeast corridor main line northeast corridor branch lines sec requires directors prepare year capital operating plan northeast corridor sec directs secretary establish requires amtrak transmit congress state sponsors state supported route annual cost service ridership forecast route upcoming year including quarterly updates enable states pace costs state budgets plan effectively address unexpected changes costs timely manner sec amends improvement act revise requirements respect methodologies amtrak route service planning decisions requires_amtrak condition receiving grant obtain services independent entity develop recommend objective methodologies amtrak use planning intercity rail passenger transportation routes services sec revises alternate passenger rail service pilot program requirements requires surface_transportation_board days submission dispute amtrak rail carrier carriers awarded right provide rail service route amtrak grant access reservation system stations facilities issue order requiring amtrak provide facilities services carriers certain criteria met sec directs amtrak develop plan eliminate operating loss food beverage service board trains bars use federal funds beginning years enactment act cover loss route operated amtrak alternative passenger rail service provider lieu amtrak sec directs amtrak request proposals private sector persons entities utilize amtrak owned rights way telecommunications systems energy distribution systems appropriate activities enter agreement implement proposal proposals sec requires_amtrak report congress options enhance development amtrak stations sec amends improvement act extend indefinitely specified authority restructure long term amtrak debt capital leases sec directs amtrak develop pilot program allow passengers transport domesticated cats dogs certain amtrak trains collect fees cat dog service animals transported ticketed passenger bars use federal funds implement program sec directs evaluate amtrak boarding procedures passengers including passengers transporting non motorized transportation wheelchairs bicycles stations people pass recommendations improve procedures title iii intercity passenger rail policy sec requires develop update capital improvement projects northeast corridor directs secretary develop program issue competitive grants listed projects included list limits grants net project costs sec amends railroad revitalization regulatory reform act revise program requirements modifies application procedures direct loans loan guarantees railroad improvement projects requires secretary granting applications loans guarantees priority projects installation positive train control sec directs secretary direct loans loan guarantees capital improvement projects northeast corridor increases days period notice opportunity public comment secretary waives buy american requirements use steel iron manufactured goods intercity passenger rail service corridor capital projects sec prescribes requirements award large capital project grants excess billion sec directs secretary study availability use small businesses owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals certain veteran owned small businesses federal_railroad_administration intercity rail passenger transportation projects requires use study million amounts available fy2016 fy2017 office_of_the_secretary fra sec directs fra convene working group evaluate restoration intercity rail passenger service gulf_coast region new_orleans louisiana florida sec revises composition include nonprofit organizations representing employees perform maintenance passenger railroad equipment repeals authority amtrak states participating committee establish corporation owned jointly owned amtrak participating states entities enter agreements funding procurement remanufacture ownership management corridor equipment including equipment currently owned leased amtrak generation corridor equipment acquired result committee actions sec directs report congress analysis implementation nonstop high speed express passenger rail service northeast corridor requires days submitting report consider implementing services title project delivery sec directs secretary begin rulemaking govern federal review permitting approval disapproval freight railroad intercity commuter rail passenger transportation infrastructure projects sec directs secretary pursue program alternatives promote consistent approach treatment railroad rail related properties historic preservation review develop mechanisms streamlining compliance specified requirements title miscellaneous sec defines term secretary mean secretary transportation sec directs secretary require state states highway rail grade crossing collisions past years develop months enactment act state highway rail grade crossing action plan states collisions update plan report secretary implement sec directs comptroller general evaluate effectiveness fra rule use locomotive rail crossings establishing zones


Summary: Requires a rail carrier to have a storage plan, meeting specified requirements and approved by the Surface Transportation Board, for any of its rail cars that it stores for three or more years, and continues to store, on tracks (except rail yard or storage yard tracks) that pass through a commercial- or residential-zoned area that were designed or previously used for through transportation of trains.

requires rail carrier storage plan meeting specified requirements approved surface_transportation_board rail cars stores years continues store tracks rail yard storage yard tracks pass residential zoned area designed previously transportation trains


Summary:
Commuter Rail Passenger Safety Act

 Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to make the installing of positive train control systems eligible for railroad rehabilitation and improvement direct loans and loan guarantees.

Extends the railroad safety technology grants program for FY2016-FY2020.

commuter safety act amends railroad revitalization regulatory reform act installing positive train control systems eligible railroad rehabilitation improvement direct loans loan guarantees extends railroad safety technology grants program fy2016-fy2020


Summary:
RESPONSE Act of 2015

 Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish the Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation Subcommittee of the National Advisory Council.

Directs the Subcommittee to evaluate the following topics and develop recommendations for improving emergency responder training and resource allocation for hazardous materials incidents involving railroads:

 the quality and application of training for local emergency first responders related to rail hazardous materials incidents, with a particular focus on local emergency responders and small communities near railroads; the effectiveness of funding levels related to training local emergency responders for rail hazardous materials incidents, with a particular focus on local emergency responders and small communities; a strategy for integration of commodity flow studies, mapping, and access platforms for local emergency responders and how to increase the rate of access to the individual responder in existing or emerging communications technology; the need for emergency response plans for rail, similar to existing law related to maritime and stationary facility emergency response plans for hazardous materials; the need for a rail hazardous materials incident database; increasing access to relevant, useful, and timely information for the local emergency responder for training purposes and in the event of a rail hazardous materials incident; and determining the most appropriate agencies and offices for the implementation of the recommendations. Terminates the Subcommittee not later than four years after this Act's enactment, subject to one year extensions.

response act amends homeland security act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency establish national_advisory_council directs subcommittee evaluate following topics develop recommendations improving emergency responder training resource allocation hazardous materials incidents involving railroads quality application training local emergency responders related rail hazardous materials incidents particular focus local emergency responders small communities near railroads effectiveness funding levels related training local emergency responders rail hazardous materials incidents particular focus local emergency responders small communities strategy integration commodity flow studies mapping access platforms local emergency responders increase rate access individual responder existing emerging communications technology need emergency response plans rail similar existing law related maritime stationary facility emergency response plans hazardous materials need rail hazardous materials incident database increasing access relevant useful timely information local emergency responder training purposes event rail hazardous materials incident determining appropriate agencies offices implementation recommendations terminates subcommittee later years act enactment subject year extensions


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make appropriate arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council to study the cost and impact of rerouting freight rail traffic of hazardous material to avoid its transportation through urban areas.

directs secretary transportation appropriate arrangements transportation_research_board national_academy_of_sciences national_academy_of_engineering institute_of_medicine national_research_council study cost impact freight rail traffic hazardous material avoid transportation urban areas


Summary:
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act of 2015

This bill authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 for the highway safety improvement program, with $50 million set aside for each fiscal year for the Railway-Highway Crossings Program.

The limitation to three states per year is eliminated, so all states now become eligible for the award of Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety improvement grants to develop or continue enhanced public education and awareness activities, in combination with targeted law enforcement, to reduce traffic law violations at highway-rail grade crossings, as well as to prevent and reduce injuries and fatalities along railroad rights-of-way. The limitation on grant amounts awarded to a state is increased from $250,000 to $2.5 million.

Eligibility requirements are revised for the award of capital grants to states under the rail line relocation and improvement program.

Increased appropriations under the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 are authorized for FY2016-FY2019 for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to make grants to the Operation Lifesaver program.

The FRA shall hire:

 16 full-time grade crossing safety managers to work with state and local officials to identify safety improvements to highway-rail grade crossings; and 8 trespass prevention managers to work with local governments, schools, businesses, and railroads to develop site-specific mitigation plans. The Secretary of Transportation shall study the feasibility of requiring railroad carriers to provide additional means for the public to report problems at highway-rail grade crossings, including via the Internet and text messaging.

bill authorizes appropriations fy2016 fy2019 highway safety improvement program million set aside fiscal year limitation states year eliminated states eligible award improvement grants develop continue enhanced public education awareness activities combination targeted law enforcement reduce traffic law violations highway rail grade crossings prevent reduce injuries fatalities railroad rights way limitation grant amounts awarded state increased million eligibility requirements revised award capital grants states rail line relocation improvement program increased appropriations authorized fy2016 fy2019 federal_railroad_administration fra grants program fra shall hire time grade crossing safety managers work state local officials identify safety improvements highway rail grade crossings trespass prevention managers work local governments schools businesses railroads develop site specific mitigation plans secretary transportation shall study feasibility requiring railroad carriers provide additional means public report problems highway rail grade crossings including internet text messaging


Summary:
Reassuring Adequate Investment in Lifesaving Systems Act or the RAILS Act

This bill revises the railroad safety technology grants program. The program shall also provide for advanced communication methods for conveying hazard information between all parties in the transportation chain, spectrum acquisition, multifrequency broadband connectivity equipment, implementation and interoperability testing.

The program is extended for FY2015-FY2020.

adequate investment lifesaving systems act rails act bill revises railroad safety technology grants program program shall provide advanced communication methods conveying hazard information parties transportation chain spectrum acquisition broadband connectivity equipment implementation interoperability testing program extended


Summary:
Safe Freight Act

 Prohibits the operation of a freight train or light locomotive engine used in the movement of freight unless it has a crew of at least two individuals, one of whom is certified by the Federal Railroad Administration as a locomotive operator and the other as a train conductor.

safe freight act prohibits operation freight train light locomotive engine movement freight crew individuals certified federal_railroad_administration locomotive operator train


Summary:
Tank Car Safety and Security Act of 2015

 Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to revise federal regulations regarding DOT-111 tank cars used to move flammable liquids to: (1) improve tank car design standards for new cars to include an outer steel jacket around it and thermal protection, full-height head shields, and high-flow capacity pressure relief valves; and (2) require additional safety upgrades to tank cars built after October 2011 by including installation of such valves and design modifications to prevent bottom outlets from opening in case of accident.

Directs the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to issue regulations to require that all rail safety coordinators ensure that no tank car containing crude oil is left unattended during any period that it is being transferred between railroad carriers or between a railroad carrier and a shipper.

Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a plan to phase out older-model DOT-111 tank cars that are not retrofitted to meet the new federal requirements.

directs secretary transportation dot revise federal regulations dot-111 tank cars flammable liquids improve tank car design standards new cars include outer steel thermal protection height head shields high flow capacity pressure relief valves require additional safety upgrades tank cars built october including installation valves design modifications prevent outlets opening case accident directs administrator transportation_security_administration issue regulations require rail safety coordinators ensure tank car containing crude oil left period transferred railroad carriers railroad carrier shipper directs secretary submit congress plan phase older model dot-111 tank cars retrofitted meet new federal requirements


Summary:
Crude-By-Rail Safety Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to:

 establish, by regulation, an interim national standard for the maximum volatility (measured by the vapor pressure) of crude oil transported by rail within the United States; study the best methods for reliably measuring that volatility as well as the level of volatility consistent with the safest practicable shipment of crude oil by rail; issue a final rule establishing the maximum volatility of crude oil transported by rail; and issue also a final rule, based on specified safety standards, which requires that all new tank cars designed to transport a Class 3 flammable liquid meet or exceed the design standards set forth in a related Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. DOT shall prohibit immediately the shipment of oil or ethanol in: (1) any DOT-111 tank car that does not meet the requirements of Casualty Prevention Circular 1232, issued by the Association of American Railroads on August 31, 2011; or (2) any unjacketed CPC-1232 tank car. Tank cars retrofitted to meet or exceed certain design standards may, however, continue to transport oil or ethanol, but they must also be equipped with electronically controlled pneumatic brakes.

Rail carriers must perform at least two additional internal rail inspections per calendar year than required by specified law as well as at least four track geometry inspections on routes that: (1) the rail carrier owns or has been assigned maintenance responsibility, and (2) over which one or more high-hazard flammable trains are operated.

Any person offering oil for transportation shall complete spot inspections on 5% of all individual rail cars loaded with crude oil to:

 test and record the volatility of the crude oil in the cars, and ensure that the crude oil meets the interim national standard for maximum volatility established under this Act or any more restrictive volatility standard subsequently enacted. DOT shall also complete spot inspections on crude oil volatility to ensure that volatility standards are being met.

Knowing violators of hazardous materials transportation law, of energy product inspections, and of rail inspections shall be subject to specified civil penalties.

DOT shall:

 establish or expand safety programs relating to the transportation of energy products and other Class 3 flammable liquids by rail, pipeline, highway, and waterway; and publish a final rule revising certain oil spill prevention and response plan regulations to include specified requirements. No rail carrier may operate any high-hazard flammable train in any state until it has given specified information, including emergency response and contact information, to the Emergency Response Commission for that state and any local emergency planning committee along the route the train will operate.

Rail carriers must collaborate to develop an inventory of emergency response resources along routes over which one or more high-hazard flammable trains operate for responding to worst case discharges resulting from accidents involving unit trains or blocks of tank cars transporting Class 3 flammable liquids.

DOT shall:

 promulgate requirements for a railroad carrier to follow in establishing a confidential close call reporting system program meeting specified criteria, contract with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study high-hazard flammable train liability, and conduct a comprehensive review of existing regulations for energy products transported by all modes of transportation.

crude rail safety act bill directs department_of_transportation dot establish regulation interim national standard maximum volatility measured vapor pressure crude oil transported rail united_states study best methods reliably measuring volatility level volatility consistent safest practicable shipment crude oil rail issue final rule establishing maximum volatility crude oil transported rail issue final rule based specified safety standards requires new tank cars designed transport class flammable liquid meet exceed design standards set forth related notice_of_proposed_rulemaking dot shall prohibit immediately shipment oil ethanol dot-111 tank car meet requirements casualty prevention circular issued august tank car tank cars retrofitted meet exceed certain design standards continue transport oil ethanol equipped electronically controlled pneumatic brakes rail carriers perform additional internal rail inspections calendar year required specified law track geometry inspections routes rail carrier owns assigned maintenance responsibility high hazard flammable trains operated person offering oil transportation shall complete spot inspections individual rail cars loaded crude oil test record volatility crude oil cars ensure crude oil meets interim national standard maximum volatility established act restrictive volatility standard subsequently enacted dot shall complete spot inspections crude oil volatility ensure volatility standards met knowing violators hazardous materials transportation law energy product inspections rail inspections shall subject specified civil penalties dot shall establish expand safety programs relating transportation energy products class flammable liquids rail pipeline highway waterway publish final rule revising certain oil spill prevention response plan regulations include specified requirements rail carrier operate high hazard flammable train state given specified information including emergency response contact information state local emergency planning committee route train operate rail carriers collaborate develop inventory emergency response resources routes high hazard flammable trains operate responding worst case discharges resulting accidents involving unit trains blocks tank cars transporting class flammable liquids dot shall promulgate requirements railroad carrier follow establishing confidential close reporting system program meeting specified criteria contract transportation_research_board national_academy_of_sciences study high hazard flammable train liability conduct comprehensive review existing regulations energy products transported modes transportation


Summary:
Toxics by Rail Accountability and Community Knowledge Act of 2015 or the TRACK Act

 Requires railroad carriers found at fault for an unintended release of hazardous materials (hazmat) due to a railroad accident or incident during calendar year 2010 to:

 review periodically any post-accident public health assessments of hazmat-exposed individuals who could experience long-lasting or irreversible health effects; inform those individuals in a timely manner of any health information, including information on long-lasting or irreversible health consequences; and offer to renegotiate any legal settlements made to affected individuals in which additional information about potential for such consequences has been later disclosed in a post-accident public health assessment. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations:

 requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat to give first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel accurate and current commodity flow data and assist with the development of emergency operations and hazmat response plans for railroad accidents or incidents; and establishing a procedure for railroad carriers to permit a train to pass a red signal at a moveable bridge. Requires the Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, to develop route safety and security risk assessment tools for short line and regional railroad carriers.

Revises the railroad safety risk reduction program by requiring railroad carriers to develop a comprehensive program to improve safety by reducing the number and rates of accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities (as under current law) through the use of safety management systems and their associated key principles, analysis of operational incidents and accidents, and continuous evaluation and improvement programs.

Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat to:

 give first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel real-time information regarding hazmat on the train in the event of an incident, accident, or emergency; and develop a public education program for communities along railroad hazmat routes. Prescribes certain civil penalties for any railroad carrier that violates a requirement or regulation under this Act.

toxics community knowledge act track act requires railroad carriers found fault unintended release hazardous materials hazmat railroad accident incident calendar year review periodically post accident public health assessments hazmat exposed individuals experience long lasting irreversible health effects inform individuals timely manner health information including information long lasting irreversible health consequences offer renegotiate legal settlements affected individuals additional information potential consequences later disclosed post accident public health assessment directs secretary transportation prescribe regulations requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat responders emergency response officials law enforcement personnel accurate current commodity flow data assist development emergency operations hazmat response plans railroad accidents incidents establishing procedure railroad carriers permit train pass red signal moveable bridge requires secretary collaboration secretary homeland_security develop route safety security risk assessment tools short line regional railroad carriers revises railroad safety risk reduction program requiring railroad carriers develop comprehensive program improve safety reducing number rates accidents incidents injuries fatalities current law use safety management systems associated key principles analysis operational incidents accidents continuous evaluation improvement programs directs secretary prescribe regulations requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat responders emergency response officials law enforcement personnel real time information hazmat train event incident accident emergency develop public education program communities railroad hazmat routes prescribes certain civil penalties railroad carrier violates requirement regulation act


Summary:
Safe Communities Act of 2015

This bill declares that the Surface Transportation Board shall not have the authority to regulate liquefied petroleum gas rail transload facilities.

safe communities act bill declares surface_transportation_board shall authority regulate liquefied petroleum gas rail facilities


Summary: Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to modify the description of a high priority project funded under such Act in California by replacing "constructing Arbor Vitae street improvements, Inglewood" with "constructing Imperial Highway street improvements designated by the city of Inglewood."

amends transportation equity act 21st century modify description high priority project funded act california replacing constructing street improvements constructing street improvements designated city


Summary:
This bill prohibits any transportation by rail of crude oil with a Reid vapor pressure level greater than 8.5 psi until the Department of Transportation (DOT) establishes an appropriate national standard for the maximum volatility of crude oil to be permitted to be shipped by rail.

DOT shall establish such a national standard, after which the 8.5 psi standard required by this Act shall expire.

bill prohibits transportation rail crude oil reid vapor pressure level greater department_of_transportation dot establishes appropriate national standard maximum volatility crude oil permitted shipped rail dot shall establish national standard standard required act shall expire


Summary:
NEPA Reciprocity Act

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to eliminate duplicative environmental reviews and approvals under state and federal law for rail and highway transportation projects. Authorizes a state to use state environmental review and approval laws and procedures, consistent with certain requirements, in lieu of federal environmental laws and regulations.

nepa reciprocity act directs secretary transportation establish program eliminate duplicative environmental reviews approvals state federal law rail highway transportation projects authorizes state use state environmental review approval laws procedures consistent certain requirements lieu federal environmental laws regulations


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Cross-Border Rail Security Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to report to Congress on:

 the number of high-risk rail shipments annually entering the United States; the status of radiation detection units at each rail crossing on the northern and southern land borders of the United States; an assessment of whether additional radiation detection equipment is necessary to ensure that all high-risk cross-border rail shipments are examined with appropriate equipment; and a plan for ensuring that all relevant CBP personnel receive adequate training and guidance on the proper use of CBP's Automated Targeting System for such shipments, the use of appropriate radiation detection equipment for shipment examination, and requirements for recording examination results. The General Accountability Office shall periodically audit CBP operations at rail crossings on such borders to ensure that rail shipments are targeted and examined and that the examination results are properly documented.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated security act sec bill directs cbp report congress number high risk rail shipments annually entering united_states status radiation detection units rail crossing northern southern land borders united_states assessment additional radiation detection equipment necessary ensure high risk cross border rail shipments examined appropriate equipment plan ensuring relevant cbp personnel receive adequate training guidance proper use cbp automated_targeting_system shipments use appropriate radiation detection equipment shipment examination requirements recording examination results general_accountability_office shall periodically audit cbp operations rail crossings borders ensure rail shipments targeted examined examination results properly documented


Summary:
At-Grade Crossing Enhancement Act of 2015

This bill directs the Federal Railroad Administration to establish a local rail facilities and safety program to mitigate the impacts of railroad operations in local communities through improvements to highway-rail grade crossings, rail line relocation and improvement projects, and training and technical assistance to local governments. In carrying out the program, the Administration may award grants to eligible entities for freight capacity projects.

The bill defines "eligible entity" to mean one or more states, an Interstate Compact, a local government, a tribal government, or one or more metropolitan planning organizations.

A grant awarded under the program may be used for:

 a capital project to mitigate the impacts of rail infrastructure and operations on a local community; a capital project to improve short-line railroad infrastructure; training and technical assistance to help local governments better understand how to coordinate with railroad carriers on operations and safety issues and on the integration of railroad issues into land use and transportation planning processes; and payment of all or a portion of the subsidy and administrative costs of projects eligible for federal credit assistance under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 for a capital project to improve short-line railroad infrastructure.

grade crossing enhancement act bill directs federal_railroad_administration establish local rail facilities safety program mitigate impacts railroad operations local communities improvements highway rail grade crossings rail line relocation improvement projects training technical assistance local governments carrying program administration award grants eligible entities freight capacity projects bill defines eligible entity mean states interstate_compact local government tribal government metropolitan planning organizations grant awarded program capital project mitigate impacts rail infrastructure operations local community capital project improve short line railroad infrastructure training technical assistance help local governments better understand coordinate railroad carriers operations safety issues integration railroad issues land use transportation planning processes payment portion subsidy administrative costs projects eligible federal credit assistance railroad revitalization regulatory reform act capital project improve short line railroad infrastructure


Summary:
Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015

This bill extends deadlines and modifies requirements for railroad carriers and providers of intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation to implement positive train control (PTC) systems.

(A PTC system is a communications and signaling system designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zone limits, and the movement of a train through a switch left in the wrong position. Railroads which carry passengers or have high-volume freight traffic with certain hazardous materials are required to implement a PTC system.)

Within 60 days of enactment of this bill, each Class I railroad carrier (the largest operators by revenue) and provider of intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation must submit to the Department of Transportation (DOT) a plan for implementing PTC by December 31, 2018, instead of the December 31, 2015, deadline required under current law. DOT may extend the deadline if specified requirements are met.

The revised plan must include a detailed schedule and sequence for fully implementing PTC in a manner that complies with specified regulations, and railroads must implement PTC in accordance with the plan.

DOT may authorize a railroad carrier or other entity to begin the provisional operation of a PTC system without the required certification if it is necessary to enable the safe implementation of PTC in phases.

positive train control enforcement implementation act bill extends deadlines modifies requirements railroad carriers providers intercity commuter rail passenger transportation implement positive train control ptc systems ptc system communications signaling system designed prevent train train collisions speed incursions established work zone limits movement train switch left wrong position railroads carry passengers high volume freight traffic certain hazardous materials required implement ptc system days enactment bill class railroad carrier largest operators revenue provider intercity commuter rail passenger transportation submit department_of_transportation dot plan implementing ptc december instead december deadline required current law dot extend deadline specified requirements met revised plan include detailed schedule fully implementing ptc manner complies specified regulations railroads implement ptc accordance plan dot authorize railroad carrier entity begin provisional operation ptc system required certification necessary enable safe implementation ptc phases


Summary:
Passenger Train Derailment Prevention Act

This bill requires each railroad carrier on whose tracks an entity provides regularly scheduled intercity rail passenger transportation or commuter rail passenger transportation to submit to the Department of Transportation (DOT) a list identifying each curve, bridge, tunnel, or other location where the maximum authorized operating speed for such a passenger train is at least 20 miles per hour less than the maximum approach speed. DOT must provide such information, along with a list of any additional track locations that DOT identifies as dangerous, to specified congressional committees.

DOT shall exercise its emergency authority to require:

 each such entity using a train equipped with an automatic train control system to modify such system to automatically slow down the train if it fails to comply with applicable maximum authorized speed limits at such locations, each such entity using a train not equipped with such system to provide that the train movement through such locations be made with a second qualified crew member in the cab of the controlling locomotive or with constant communication between the locomotive engineer and an additional crew member in the body of the train, and each such railroad carrier to install additional wayside signage along the carrier's tracks alerting engineers and conductors of the maximum authorized passenger train speed. DOT may exempt from these requirements any segment of track for which operations are governed by a certified positive train control system or equivalent safety technology.

passenger train prevention act bill requires railroad carrier tracks entity provides regularly scheduled intercity rail passenger transportation commuter rail passenger transportation submit department_of_transportation dot list identifying bridge tunnel location maximum authorized operating speed passenger train miles hour maximum approach speed dot provide information list additional track locations dot identifies dangerous specified congressional committees dot shall exercise emergency authority require entity train equipped automatic train control system modify system automatically slow train fails comply applicable maximum authorized speed limits locations entity train equipped system provide train movement locations second qualified crew member cab controlling locomotive constant communication locomotive engineer additional crew member body train railroad carrier install additional signage carrier tracks engineers maximum authorized passenger train speed dot exempt requirements segment track operations governed certified positive train control system equivalent safety technology


Summary:
Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy Act or the BRACE Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for railroad track maintenance.

economy act act bill amends internal_revenue_code permanent tax credit railroad track maintenance


Summary:
Fire Department Proper Response and Equipment Prioritization Act

This bill amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in making grants to fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations, and state fire training academies, to give high priority consideration to grants that provide for planning, training, and equipment to firefighters for crude oil-by-rail and ethanol-by-rail derailment and incident response.

bill amends federal_fire_prevention control act direct federal_emergency_management_agency fema making grants fire departments nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations state fire training academies high priority consideration grants provide planning training equipment firefighters crude oil rail ethanol rail incident response


Summary:
Hazardous Materials Rail Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish, within the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, a separate Hazardous Liquids Rail Spill Liability Account to support actions related to preventing and responding to discharges of oil or hazardous substances that result from rail shipments; (2) impose a fee on hazardous flammable liquids transported by rail; and (3) establish a tax credit for qualified tank-car conversion expenses.

In addition, the bill:

 expands liability with respect to discharges of hazardous substances, expands Department of Transportation (DOT) training with respect to accidents arising from rail transportation of flammable liquids or gases, establishes a High Hazard Rail Shipments Preparedness grant program, and establishes a Track Relocation and Railroad Inspection Safety grant program. The Federal Railroad Administration must implement specified recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board.

DOT, the Department of Commerce, and the Energy Information Administration shall collect specified data related to high hazard rail transportation.

bill amends internal_revenue_code establish oil_spill_liability_trust_fund separate support actions related preventing responding discharges oil hazardous substances result rail shipments impose fee hazardous flammable liquids transported rail establish tax credit qualified tank car conversion expenses addition bill expands liability respect discharges hazardous substances expands department_of_transportation dot training respect accidents arising rail transportation flammable liquids gases establishes high hazard rail shipments preparedness grant program establishes track relocation railroad inspection safety grant program federal_railroad_administration implement specified recommendations national_transportation_safety_board dot department_of_commerce energy_information_administration shall collect specified data related high hazard rail transportation


Summary:
Community Protection and Preparedness Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), annually, to impose a $1,500 fee for each DOT-111 specification railroad tank car used to transport Class 3 flammable liquids during the previous fiscal year that did not meet DOT-117, DOT-117P, or DOT-117R specifications at the time it was used. Such fee shall be paid by each person who causes such liquids to be transported by such car in commerce and not by the railroad carrier that transports such liquids.

Collected fees shall be deposited into a Rail Account established within the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and shall be available only for: (1) the payment of removal and remediation costs and other costs, expenses, claims, and damages related to an accident or incident involving the transportation of Class 3 flammable liquids by rail; and (2) DOT grants to states and Indian tribes to develop emergency plans and to train regional hazardous material emergency response teams and public employees responding to such an accident or incident.

DOT shall issue such regulations as necessary to require each Class I railroad carrier to inspect all track where an accident or incident involving the transportation by rail of flammable liquids or material poisonous or toxic by inhalation could affect a "high consequence area" (a commercially navigable waterway, an area with a high or concentrated population, or an area that is unusually sensitive to environmental damage). The inspections shall be carried out on foot and by a gage restraint measurement system. An inspector who finds a deviation from requirements regarding track safety standards shall immediately initiate remedial action.

Necessary amounts are authorized for the Federal Railroad Administration to hire at least two additional track safety specialists per region.

preparedness act bill requires department_of_transportation dot annually impose fee dot-111 specification railroad tank car transport class flammable liquids previous fiscal year meet specifications time fee shall paid person causes liquids transported car commerce railroad carrier transports liquids collected fees shall deposited rail account established oil_spill_liability_trust_fund shall available payment removal remediation costs costs expenses claims damages related accident incident involving transportation class flammable liquids rail dot grants states indian tribes develop emergency plans train regional hazardous material emergency response teams public employees responding accident incident dot shall issue regulations necessary require class railroad carrier inspect track accident incident involving transportation rail flammable liquids material poisonous toxic inhalation affect high consequence area commercially navigable waterway area high concentrated population area unusually sensitive environmental damage inspections shall carried foot restraint measurement system inspector finds deviation requirements track safety standards shall immediately initiate remedial action necessary amounts authorized federal_railroad_administration hire additional track safety specialists region


Summary: Requires a rail carrier to have a storage plan, meeting specified requirements and approved by the Surface Transportation Board, for any of its rail cars that it stores for three or more years, and continues to store, on tracks (except rail yard or storage yard tracks) that pass through a commercial- or residential-zoned area that were designed or previously used for through transportation of trains.

requires rail carrier storage plan meeting specified requirements approved surface_transportation_board rail cars stores years continues store tracks rail yard storage yard tracks pass residential zoned area designed previously transportation trains


Summary:
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act of 2015

This bill authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 for the highway safety improvement program, with $50 million set aside for each fiscal year for the Railway-Highway Crossings Program.

The limitation to three states per year is eliminated, so all states now become eligible for the award of Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety improvement grants to develop or continue enhanced public education and awareness activities, in combination with targeted law enforcement, to reduce traffic law violations at highway-rail grade crossings, as well as to prevent and reduce injuries and fatalities along railroad rights-of-way. The limitation on grant amounts awarded to a state is increased from $250,000 to $2.5 million.

Eligibility requirements are revised for the award of capital grants to states under the rail line relocation and improvement program.

Increased appropriations under the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 are authorized for FY2016-FY2019 for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to make grants to the Operation Lifesaver program.

The FRA shall hire:

 16 full-time grade crossing safety managers to work with state and local officials to identify safety improvements to highway-rail grade crossings; and 8 trespass prevention managers to work with local governments, schools, businesses, and railroads to develop site-specific mitigation plans. The Secretary of Transportation shall study the feasibility of requiring railroads to provide additional means for the public to report problems at highway-rail grade crossings, including via a website and text messaging.

bill authorizes appropriations fy2016 fy2019 highway safety improvement program million set aside fiscal year limitation states year eliminated states eligible award improvement grants develop continue enhanced public education awareness activities combination targeted law enforcement reduce traffic law violations highway rail grade crossings prevent reduce injuries fatalities railroad rights way limitation grant amounts awarded state increased million eligibility requirements revised award capital grants states rail line relocation improvement program increased appropriations authorized fy2016 fy2019 federal_railroad_administration fra grants program fra shall hire time grade crossing safety managers work state local officials identify safety improvements highway rail grade crossings trespass prevention managers work local governments schools businesses railroads develop site specific mitigation plans secretary transportation shall study feasibility requiring railroads provide additional means public report problems highway rail grade crossings including website text messaging


Summary:
RESPONSE Act of 2016

 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish the Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Subcommittee of the National Advisory Council.

The RESPONSE Subcommittee shall develop recommendations for improving emergency responder training and resource allocation for hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents involving railroads after evaluating the following topics:

 the quality and application of training for state and local emergency responders related to rail hazmat incidents, including training for emergency responders serving small communities near railroads; the availability and effectiveness of federal, state, local, and nongovernmental funding levels related to training emergency responders for rail hazmat incidents, including emergency responders serving small communities near railroads; and the strategy for integrating commodity flow studies, mapping, and rail and hazmat databases for state and local emergency responders and increasing the rate of access to the individual responder in existing or emerging communications technology. The RESPONSE Subcommittee shall terminate within 90 days after the council submits a report approving the RESPONSE Subcommittee recommendations.

response act sec bill amends homeland security act direct federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish response subcommittee national_advisory_council shall develop recommendations improving emergency responder training resource allocation hazardous materials hazmat incidents involving railroads evaluating following topics quality application training state local emergency responders related rail hazmat incidents including training emergency responders serving small communities near railroads availability effectiveness federal state local nongovernmental funding levels related training emergency responders rail hazmat incidents including emergency responders serving small communities near railroads strategy integrating commodity flow studies mapping rail hazmat databases state local emergency responders increasing rate access individual responder existing emerging communications technology shall terminate days council submits report approving recommendations


Summary:
Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for railroad track maintenance, to: (1) expand the types of maintenance expenditures eligible for such credit, and (2) extend such credit through 2016.

short line railroad rehabilitation investment act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit railroad track maintenance expand types maintenance expenditures eligible credit extend credit


Summary:
Railroad Safety and Positive Train Control Extension Act

 (Sec. 2) This bill revises the railroad safety risk reduction program.

The bill extends from December 31, 2015, to December 31, 2020, the deadline for submission to the Department of Transportation (DOT) by each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation of a plan for implementing a positive train control (PTC) system on certain of its tracks.

(Sec. 3) DOT may extend the implementation deadline, upon application, in one-year increments, if specified circumstances exist.

(Sec. 4) The bill directs DOT to revise federal regulations requiring a Class II or III railroad (including a tourist or excursion railroad) to extend by five years the deadlines for equipping its locomotives with an onboard PTC system to operate in PTC territory and applicable reporting requirements.

(Sec. 5) The bill requires Class I railroad carriers and each entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation to submit annual progress reports to DOT on the status of plans to implement a PTC system.

sec bill revises railroad safety risk reduction program bill extends december december deadline submission department_of_transportation dot class railroad carrier entity providing regularly scheduled intercity commuter rail passenger transportation plan implementing positive train control ptc system certain tracks sec dot extend implementation deadline application year increments specified circumstances exist sec bill directs dot revise federal regulations requiring class iii railroad including tourist railroad extend years deadlines equipping locomotives onboard ptc system operate ptc territory applicable reporting requirements sec bill requires class railroad carriers entity providing regularly scheduled intercity commuter rail passenger transportation submit annual progress reports dot status plans implement ptc system