Railroad companies would have to report track fires under reasonable suspicion standard
In committeeH.R. 8012Latest action
Sponsor: Michael Lawler · Representative · NY
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Official title: HOWIE Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
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HR 8012 requires railroads to report fires and other incidents to federal regulators whenever they reasonably suspect their operations caused the damage.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8012 would require railroad companies to report accidents and incidents to the federal government when they have reasonable suspicion their operations caused the damage. The bill specifically adds fires alongside train tracks, including brush fires, to the list of reportable incidents. The Secretary of Transportation would write the rules spelling out how and when these reports must be made.
Who does it affect?
Railroad companies operating in the United States would take on new reporting responsibilities under this bill. The Federal Railroad Administration would also be affected, as it would need to create the actual reporting rules.
Why does it matter?
The bill is aimed at closing a gap in current reporting requirements for railroad-caused fires and damage. Better reporting could lead to faster emergency responses and greater accountability for people living near railroad tracks.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 19, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 20, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.