PA House Passes Bill To Improve Rail Safety In Bipartisan Vote, 3 Years After Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

On March 25, the House passed House Bill 1191 (Matzie-D-Beaver) passed legislation to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through by a vote of 120 to 79.

“It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Rep. Rob Matzie.  “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.”

The bill comes after a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. 

This bill would--

-- Prohibit trains from blocking crossings, which could delay emergency responders. This can ensure faster response times;

-- Limit the length of freight or work trains to 8,500 feet, or approximately 1.6 miles;

-- Require safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, including a minimum of a two-person crew on a train or light engine;

-- Authorize a union representative to monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad, which would allow a representative to take photographs and conduct investigations without being accused of trespassing;

-- Ensure proper functioning of wayside detector systems. These are trackside sensors that warn when trains are overheating because of problems that can cause derailment;

-- Strengthen oversight by requiring studies, a reporting system and additional precautions for trains transporting hazardous materials or waste; and

-- Impose civil penalties for violation of these regulations.

“Despite promises from the companies and the federal government, nothing has really changed since the 2023 accident, and there is every indication that resolutions to these problems will be left up to the states,” Rep. Matzie said. “The House took action today; it’s time for the Senate to step up and do the same.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Similar legislation sponsored by Rep. Matzie, House Bill 1028, passed the House in 2023 but never received a vote in the state Senate.

Click Here for Rep. Matzie’s announcement.

NewsClip:

-- The Center Square: Railroad Safety Bill Clears PA House 3 Years After Norfolk Southern Train Derailment [House Bill 1191]

[Posted: March 27, 2026]  PA Environment Digest