What does Preamble of HOWIE Act do?

This bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations. These regulations would require rail carriers to report certain damage. Reporting is mandated if a rail carrier has a reasonable suspicion that an action by the carrier caused the damage.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HOWIE Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Helping Oversee and Ward off Infrastructure Emergencies Act, also known as the HOWIE Act.

What does STANDARD FOR REPORTING CERTAIN DAMAGE RELATING TO RAILROAD of HOWIE Act do?

This section directs the Secretary of Transportation to update section 225.9 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. The update will require railroads to report train accidents resulting in damage. This includes incidents causing a fire, including brush fires, alongside railroad tracks. Railroads must report such incidents if they have a reasonable suspicion that railroad actions caused the damage.

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HOWIE Act

Last updated: 3/19/2026 · Introduced: 3/19/2026

Author: Michael Lawler (R-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

The HOWIE Act mandates that rail carriers report train accidents and related damage, including fires, to the Secretary of Transportation.
Railroads are required to report incidents if they reasonably suspect their actions caused the damage.
The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to update existing regulations to reflect these reporting requirements.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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