S. 1044 — Railway Accountability Act

This bill addresses safety requirements for rail carriers. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must review existing regulations relating to the practices regarding the establishment of a train consist (i.e., the contents and location of each rail car in a train). The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) must issue regulations requiring each railroad to submit an updated Risk Reduction Program Plan that (1) documents the railroad's standards for train consist and safety protocol for trains in the switchyard, and (2) strives to balance derailment risk and rail yard employee safety. DOT must issue a regulation that prohibits conducting train brake inspections while a train is in motion an...