Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025
This bill, the Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 341), would give states explicit authority to limit how long railroad trains may block at-grade intersections. It does so by amending Title 49 of the U.S. Code to say that federal law does not preempt a state from enacting laws or regulations that limit the duration of blocking at-grade crossings. The bill also defines “State” to include the District of Columbia. In short, it empowers states (and DC) to set their own rules on how long rail crossings can be blocked and to enforce those rules without being overridden by federal law. The sponsor listed in the bill narrative is Mr. Davidson, and the bill was introduced January 13, 2025, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The text does not specify any particular blocking-time limits, penalties, or enforcement mechanisms; it only asserts the authority for states to enact such rules and clarifies non-preemption by federal law.
Key Points
- 1Purpose: Allow states to regulate and limit the duration that a railroad carrier may block a grade crossing, at-grade road-rail intersections.
- 2Amendments to law:
- 3- Adds a state-authority provision to Section 10501(c)(3) of Title 49, U.S.C., affirming state power to limit blocking duration.
- 4- Adds a state-authority provision to Section 20106(a) of Title 49, U.S.C., confirming non-preemption by federal law and defining “State” to include the District of Columbia.
- 5Preemption language: The bill states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law,” that federal law does not preempt a state from enacting such rules regarding blocking durations.
- 6Scope: Applies specifically to blocking durations at grade crossings (intersections where roads cross railroad tracks at the same level).
- 7Procedural status: Introduced in the House as H.R. 341 by Mr. Davidson on January 13, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; no specifics on penalties, duration limits, or enforcement are provided in the text.