Railway Accountability Act

The Railway Accountability Act (S 1044) requires the Federal Railroad Administration to study broken rim derailments and wheel safety, including causes and new mitigation strategies, and mandates a report within one year. It requires major railroads to create updated safety plans for switchyards, prohibits moving trains before brake inspections are complete, and restricts brake inspections to qualified personnel. The bill also mandates public disclosure of safety waivers granted to railroads and requires railroads fined for safety violations to join a confidential reporting system for near-misses. These provisions directly affect major railroads and their operational safety protocols, focusing on preventing derailments through improved inspections, transparency, and reporting.