hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Applies existing train safety rules to computer dispatching systems.
Ms. Gillen (primary sponsor) and three co-sponsors.
In committee, no House vote yet.
The 'Safe Tracks Act' directs the Secretary of Transportation to quickly update regulations, within 30 days, to ensure that existing federal safety standards for positive train control systems also apply to all current and future computer-aided train dispatching systems and traffic control boards. The bill was introduced by Representative Ms. Gillen and three other members, and it has been sent to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for review.
Introduced Apr 21, 2026
This bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Before it can move forward, this committee must approve it. If passed by the committee, it would then be eligible for a vote by the full House. Should it pass the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for their consideration, and finally, if approved by both chambers, it would go to the President to be signed into law.
If enacted, this bill would require the federal government to ensure that computer systems controlling train movements, known as dispatching systems and traffic control boards, adhere to existing positive train control safety requirements. This could enhance overall rail safety by mandating a higher standard for these critical technologies. The Department of Transportation would be tasked with implementing these regulatory changes within 30 days of the bill becoming law.
Supporters Say
Proponents would likely argue this measure enhances rail safety by extending federal positive train control standards to critical dispatching systems.
Critics Say
Opponents might raise concerns about the costs of implementing these new regulatory applications or questions about their necessity.
Those supporting the bill would likely highlight its potential to reduce accidents and improve overall rail safety by standardizing these critical components under existing federal positive train control (PTC) requirements. Arguments against similar mandates often focus on the financial burden of compliance for railroad companies or debates over whether current regulations already adequately address these systems without further extension.