[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2784 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

113th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 2784

 To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out activities to 
              improve rail safety, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 10, 2014

  Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Mr. 
    Murphy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
   referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out activities to 
              improve rail safety, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; REFERENCES TO TITLE 49, 
              UNITED STATES CODE.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Rail Safety 
Improvement Act of 2014''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; references to title 49, United 
                            States Code.
Sec. 2. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 3. Requirement for uniform operating rules.
Sec. 4. Rail safety technology.
Sec. 5. Fatigue mitigation.
Sec. 6. Transportation of flammable liquids by rail.
Sec. 7. Amendments to the Safety Appliance Law.
Sec. 8. Amendments to the Locomotive Inspection Law.
Sec. 9. Repair and replacement of damaged track inspection equipment.
Sec. 10. Commuter rail track inspections.
Sec. 11. Automated track geometry inspections.
Sec. 12. Speed enforcement.
Sec. 13. Unintentional movement.
Sec. 14. Rail safety oversight improvements.
Sec. 15. Reports on statutory mandates and recommendations.
Sec. 16. Operation deep dive; report.
Sec. 17. Use of certain reports and surveys.
Sec. 18. Authorization of appropriations; miscellaneous.
Sec. 19. Enforcement.
Sec. 20. Confidential close call reporting systems.
Sec. 21. Freight train crew size.
    (c) References to Title 49, United States Code.--Except as 
otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or 
repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a 
section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be 
made to a section or other provision of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 20117(a) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
        to the Secretary of Transportation to carry out this part and 
        to carry out responsibilities under chapter 51 as delegated or 
        authorized by the Secretary--
                    ``(A) $225,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
                    ``(B) $245,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
                    ``(C) $266,000,000 for fiscal year 2017;
                    ``(D) $289,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;
                    ``(E) $293,000,000 for fiscal year 2019; and
                    ``(F) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2020.
            ``(2) Inspection vehicles.--With amounts appropriated 
        pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary, in addition to 
        providing further funding for previously purchased automated 
        inspection vehicles as needed, shall purchase or lease 
        automated rail integrity inspection vehicles, Gage Restraint 
        Measurement System vehicles, and automated track geometry 
        vehicles or other comparable technology as needed, including 
        technology that may be added onto an existing railcar or 
        vehicle, to assess rail and track safety.
            ``(3) Facility for underground rail station and tunnel.--
        There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such 
        sums as may be necessary for the period encompassing fiscal 
        years 2015 through 2020 to design, develop, and construct the 
        Facility for Underground Rail Stations and Tunnels at the 
        Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado. The 
        facility shall be used to test and evaluate the vulnerabilities 
        of above-ground and underground rail tunnels to prevent 
        accidents and incidents in such tunnels, to mitigate and 
        remediate the consequences of any such accidents or incidents, 
        and to provide a realistic scenario for training emergency 
        responders.
            ``(4) Rail security.--Such sums as may be necessary from 
        the amount appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) for each of 
        the fiscal years 2015 through 2020 shall be made available to 
        the Secretary for personnel in regional offices and in 
        Washington, D.C., whose duties primarily involve rail 
        security.''.

SEC. 3. REQUIREMENT FOR UNIFORM OPERATING RULES.

    (a) Amendment.--Subchapter II of chapter 201 is amended by adding 
after section 20167 the following:
``Sec. 20168. Uniform operating rules
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may promulgate 
regulations or issue orders to require in small geographic areas, as 
defined by the Secretary, where 2 or more railroads serve as host 
railroads for joint operations that occur within a small geographic 
area, all such host railroads in the small geographic area to develop 
uniform operating rules governing all operations within the small 
geographic area with respect to--
            ``(1) signal aspects and indications, such that no aspect 
        represents multiple indications for any operations within the 
        small geographic area;
            ``(2) after-arrival mandatory directives, such that the use 
        of an after-arrival mandatory directive is prohibited for any 
        operations in non signaled territory within the small 
        geographic area; and
            ``(3) forms used to convey track authority, such that track 
        authority for any operations within the small geographic area 
        is conveyed using an identical set of forms.
    ``(b) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
limit the authority of the Secretary to promulgate regulations or issue 
orders under other law.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for subchapter II 
chapter 201 is amended by adding after the item relating to section 
20167 the following:

``20168. Uniform operating rules.''.

SEC. 4. RAIL SAFETY TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Railroad Safety Technology Grants.--
            (1) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 20158(c) is 
        amended to read as follows:
    ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation the following amounts 
to carry out this section, to remain available until expended:
            ``(1) For fiscal year 2015, $1,000,000,000.
            ``(2) For fiscal year 2016, $1,000,000,000.
            ``(3) For each of fiscal years 2017 through 2020, 
        $250,000,000.''.
            (2) Matching requirements.--Section 20158(b)(4) is amended 
        by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, except that 
        Federal funds for an eligible project for the primary benefit 
        of intercity rail passenger transportation or commuter rail 
        passenger transportation may equal 100 percent of the total 
        cost of that project.''.
            (3) Grant criteria; considerations.--Section 20158(b)(2) is 
        amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and 
                inserting a semicolon;
                    (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) are submitted by applicants that demonstrate 
                a history of making expenditures for capital projects 
                related to railroad safety technology.''.
    (b) Positive Train Control Systems.--
            (1) Spectrum.--Subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended by 
        section 3 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end 
        the following:
``Sec. 20169. Electromagnetic spectrum
    ``Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Rail 
Safety Improvement Act of 2014, the Secretary of Transportation and the 
Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission shall coordinate to 
assess spectrum needs and availability for implementing positive train 
control systems (as defined in section 20157). Such coordination may 
include conversations with external stakeholders.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents for 
        subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended by section 3 of this 
        Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

``20169. Electromagnetic spectrum.''.
            (3) Reports.--Section 20157(a) is amended by adding at the 
        end the following:
            ``(3) Progress reports.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Beginning 6 months after the 
                date of enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 
                2014, and every 6 months thereafter until its positive 
                train control system is certified by the Secretary 
                under subsection (h), each railroad carrier and entity 
                required to submit a plan under paragraph (1) of this 
                subsection shall provide a progress report to the 
                Secretary on the status of the plan.
                    ``(B) Contents.--A progress report under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include--
                            ``(i) a section describing the total number 
                        of positive train components required, the 
                        number of components that have been completed 
                        as of the date of the progress report, the 
                        number of components that remain to be 
                        completed or implemented, an estimated 
                        completion date for each component that remains 
                        to be completed or implemented, and the overall 
                        completion percentage; and
                            ``(ii) a section describing--
                                    ``(I) the total number of safety-
                                related employees and equivalent 
                                railroad carrier contractors and 
                                subcontractors required to be trained, 
                                by class and craft;
                                    ``(II) the minimum training 
                                standards for the employees, 
                                contractors, and subcontractors under 
                                subclause (I);
                                    ``(III) the percentage of 
                                employees, contractors, and 
                                subcontractors under subclause (I) that 
                                have completed training as of the date 
                                of the progress report;
                                    ``(IV) the percentage of employees, 
                                contractors, and subcontractors under 
                                subclause (I) that remain to be 
                                trained; and
                                    ``(V) the estimated completion date 
                                for the training under subclause (IV).
                    ``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
                            ``(i) Component.--The term `component' 
                        means a locomotive apparatus, wayside interface 
                        unit, switch, base station radio, wayside 
                        radio, locomotive radio, and any new and novel 
                        technology that is part of a positive train 
                        control system.
                            ``(ii) Minimum training standards.--The 
                        term `minimum training standards' means the 
                        knowledge of, and ability to comply with, 
                        Federal railroad safety laws and regulations 
                        and carrier rules and procedures necessary to 
                        implement positive train control.
                    ``(D) Website.--Not later than 30 days after 
                receiving a progress report under this paragraph, the 
                Secretary shall make the report available on the 
                website of the Federal Railroad Administration.''.
    (c) Alerters.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended 
        by subsection (b) of this section, is further amended by adding 
        at the end the following:
``Sec. 20170. Alerters
    ``(a) In General.--Beginning 1 year after the date of enactment of 
the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014, a working alerter shall be 
required in the controlling locomotive of each passenger train in 
intercity rail passenger transportation (as defined in section 24102) 
or commuter rail passenger transportation (as defined in section 
24102).
    ``(b) Regulations.--The Secretary may promulgate or revise existing 
regulations to specify the appropriate technical detail and essential 
functionalities of a working alerter, including the manner in which the 
alerter can be reset.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents for 
        subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended by subsection (b) of 
        this section, is further amended by adding at the end the 
        following:

``20170. Alerters.''.
    (d) Redundant Signal Protection.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
promulgate such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary to 
require that on-track safety programs, as described in subpart C of 
part 214 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, whenever practicable 
and consistent with other safety requirements and operational 
considerations, include requiring implementation of redundant signal 
protection, such as shunting, for maintenance-of-way work crews who 
depend on a train dispatcher to provide signal protection.
    (e) Installation of Audio and Image Recording Devices.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended 
        by subsection (c) of this section, is further amended by adding 
        at the end the following:
``Sec. 20171. Installation of audio and image recording devices
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014, each railroad 
carrier that is a Class I railroad and each railroad carrier that 
provides intercity rail passenger or commuter rail passenger 
transportation shall install inward- and outward-facing audio and image 
recording devices in all controlling locomotive cabs and cab car 
operating compartments.
    ``(b) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall promulgate such regulations as the Secretary 
considers necessary to implement this section. The regulations, at a 
minimum, shall require--
            ``(1) a railroad carrier described in subsection (a) to 
        establish a program for the review and use of in-cab audio and 
        image recordings;
            ``(2) the program under paragraph (1) to be submitted to 
        the Secretary for review and approval; and
            ``(3) privacy protections as determined appropriate by the 
        Secretary, including limitations on the public release of the 
        recordings under subsection (f).
    ``(c) Programs.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each program established under 
        subsection (b)(1) shall be limited to the purposes under 
        paragraph (2) of this subsection. A railroad carrier may not 
        use in-cab audio or image recordings or structure the program 
        to retaliate against an employee, or for selective enforcement.
            ``(2) Purposes.--A program established under subsection 
        (b)(1) shall limit the use of in-cab audio and image recordings 
        to the following purposes:
                    ``(A) Assisting in an investigation into the 
                causation of a reportable accident.
                    ``(B) Verifying that a train crew member's actions 
                are in accordance with applicable safety laws.
                    ``(C) Counseling a train crew member if the 
                member's actions are not in accordance with applicable 
                safety laws.
    ``(d) Detail and Features.--In promulgating the regulations under 
this section, the Secretary shall specify the appropriate technical 
detail and essential features of the inward- and outward-facing audio 
and image recording devices to provide for--
            ``(1) protection in the event of a crash or fire;
            ``(2) a minimum 12-hour continuous recording capability;
            ``(3) recordings that are easily accessible for review 
        during an accident investigation; and
            ``(4) information captured by recording devices to be 
        recorded in a location remote from the controlling locomotive 
        to maximize the likelihood of recovering the information after 
        an accident.
    ``(e) Other Railroad Carriers.--
            ``(1) In general.--Nothing in this section restricts the 
        discretion of the Secretary to require railroad carriers other 
        than those described in subsection (a) to install inward- and 
        outward-facing audio and image recording devices in all 
        controlling locomotive cabs and cab car operating compartments. 
        In exercising such discretion, the Secretary shall consider, at 
        a minimum, the safety performance of the railroad carrier.
            ``(2) Voluntary program establishment.--Any railroad 
        carrier other than a railroad carrier described in subsection 
        (a) may voluntarily establish a program under this section. 
        This section, and any regulations promulgated under this 
        section, shall apply to a program that is voluntarily 
        established.
    ``(f) Confidentiality of Recordings.--In accordance with section 
552(b)(3) of title 5, the Secretary may not disclose publicly any part 
of an in-cab audio or image recording that the Secretary obtains as 
part of an accident or other investigation.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents for 
        subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended by subsection (c) of 
        this section, is further amended by adding at the end the 
        following:

``20171. Installation of audio and image recording devices.''.

SEC. 5. FATIGUE MITIGATION.

    (a) Regulation on Fatigue Management Plans.--Not later than 180 
days after the promulgation of the final regulation implementing the 
requirement for risk reduction plans under section 20156(a) of title 
49, United States Code, or for 10-year technology implementation plans 
under section 20156(e) of that title, whichever is later, the Secretary 
of Transportation shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to 
implement the requirement for fatigue management plans under section 
20156(f) of that title.
    (b) Cost-Benefit Analysis.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
        conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the 
        development of hours of service requirements for all train, 
        signal, and dispatching service employees based on fatigue 
        sciences.
            (2) Assumptions.--In performing the cost-benefit analysis, 
        the Secretary of Transportation may--
                    (A) contemplate hours of service requirements for 
                the employees described in paragraph (1) that are based 
                on sound, up-to-date scientific information regarding 
                fatigue measurement, employee work and sleep, and 
                accident risk; and
                    (B) contemplate requirements that differ from the 
                requirements under chapter 211 of title 49, United 
                States Code.
            (3) Considerations.--In performing the cost-benefit 
        analysis, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider the 
        costs, benefits, and other effects associated with the 
        requirements contemplated in paragraph (2), including--
                    (A) the impact on train accidents, including 
                fatalities, injuries, and property damage;
                    (B) the impact on staffing, schedules, and other 
                railroad operations;
                    (C) the impact on employees' salaries, earning 
                opportunities, and other compensation;
                    (D) the impact on customer needs, such as 
                predictability of service;
                    (E) the impact on productivity and competitiveness;
                    (F) the impact on recordkeeping and other railroad 
                administration;
                    (G) the impact of consecutive days worked and work 
                performed during night hours on the potential for 
                fatigue and risk of accidents;
                    (H) one-time versus reoccurring costs;
                    (I) whether an effect disproportionately impacts a 
                class of railroad;
                    (J) the cost-effectiveness of existing railroad 
                fatigue management initiatives;
                    (K) the extent to which the application of modern 
                fatigue science to hours of service requirements is 
                consistent with the railroad operating environment; and
                    (L) such other effects as the Secretary of 
                Transportation considers appropriate.
            (4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the cost-benefit 
        analysis is complete, the Federal Railroad Administration shall 
        post a report on its website that summarizes the results of the 
        cost-benefit analysis, describes any disproportionate costs or 
        benefits to a particular class of railroad, and recommends any 
        changes to the current hours of service law.

SEC. 6. TRANSPORTATION OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS BY RAIL.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 51 is amended by inserting after section 
5110 the following:
``Sec. 5111. Requirements for the operation of high-hazard flammable 
              trains
    ``(a) In this section:
            ``(1) Class 3 flammable liquid.--The term `Class 3 
        flammable liquid' has the meaning given the term in section 
        173.120(a) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(2) Distributed power system.--The term `distributed 
        power system' has the meaning given the term in section 229.5 
        of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(3) DOT specification 111 tank car.--The term `DOT 
        specification 111 tank car' means a tank car that meets 
        Department of Transportation Specification 111 standards but 
        does not meet the requirements of Association of American 
        Railroads Casualty Prevention Circular 1232.
            ``(4) High-hazard flammable train.--The term `high-hazard 
        flammable train' means a single train transporting 20 or more 
        tank cars loaded with a Class 3 flammable liquid.
            ``(5) Maximum extent practicable.--The term `maximum extent 
        practicable' has the meaning given the term in section 130.5 of 
        title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(6) State.--The term `State' means a State of the United 
        States or the District of Columbia.
            ``(7) Two-way end-of-train device.--The term `two-way end-
        of-train device' has the meaning given the term in section 
        232.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(8) Worst-case discharge.--The term `worst-case 
        discharge' has the meaning given the term in section 130.5 of 
        title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
    ``(b) Notification Requirements.--
            ``(1) In general.--A railroad carrier may not operate a 
        high-hazard flammable train in a State until the railroad 
        carrier has provided the State Emergency Response Commission 
        for the State or other appropriate State delegated entity, the 
        Tribal Emergency Response Commission, as appropriate, and the 
        County Emergency Management Commissioner or other appropriate 
        county emergency response coordinator with--
                    ``(A) a reasonable estimate of the number of high-
                hazard flammable trains that are expected to travel, 
                per week, through each county within the State;
                    ``(B) each route that the high-hazard flammable 
                train will take within the State;
                    ``(C) a description of the Class 3 flammable liquid 
                being transported through the State;
                    ``(D) all applicable emergency response information 
                required under subparts C and G of part 172 of title 
                49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    ``(E) the contact information, including name, 
                title, telephone number, and address, for at least 1 
                individual at the railroad carrier responsible for 
                serving as the point of contact for the State Emergency 
                Response Commission or other appropriate State 
                delegated entity, the Tribal Emergency Response 
                Commission, if appropriate, the County Emergency 
                Management Commissioner or other appropriate county 
                emergency response coordinator, and any other relevant 
                emergency responders related to the railroad carrier's 
                transportation of high-hazard flammable trains.
            ``(2) Updates.--A railroad carrier shall update a 
        notification under paragraph (1) prior to making any material 
        change in the estimated number of high-hazard flammable trains 
        that are expected to travel, per week, through a county within 
        the State. For purposes of this paragraph, a `material change' 
        means an increase or decrease of 25 percent or more in the 
        estimate of the number of high-hazard flammable trains from the 
        number provided under paragraph (1)(A).
            ``(3) Copies to department of transportation.--A railroad 
        carrier shall provide the information required under paragraph 
        (1) to the Department of Transportation concurrently with the 
        State Emergency Response Commission or other appropriate State 
        delegated entity, as applicable.
            ``(4) FOIA.--The information provided to the Department of 
        Transportation under paragraph (3) shall be considered a record 
        and available to the public in accordance with section 552 of 
        title 5, United States Code.
            ``(5) Penalties.--A railroad carrier violating this 
        subsection or a regulation promulgated under this subsection is 
        liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty. The 
        Secretary of Transportation may impose a civil penalty of up to 
        $175,000 for each violation or for each day the violation 
        continues.
    ``(c) Speed Restrictions.--A railroad carrier operating a high-
hazard flammable train shall--
            ``(1) except as provided under paragraph (2), adhere to a 
        speed restriction of 50 miles per hour; and
            ``(2) adhere to a speed restriction of 40 miles per hour 
        for each high-hazard flammable train--
                    ``(A) with at least 1 DOT specification 111 tank 
                car while the train operates in an area that has a 
                population of more than 100,000 people, as determined 
                by census population data; or
                    ``(B) with at least 1 non-DOT specification tank 
                car while the train operates in an area that has a 
                population of more than 100,000 people, as determined 
                by census population data.
    ``(d) Required Equipment.--
            ``(1) In general.--A railroad carrier shall equip each 
        high-hazard flammable train it operates with--
                    ``(A) a two-way end-of-train device (as defined in 
                section 232.5 of title 49, Code of Federal 
                Regulations);
                    ``(B) a distributed power system (as defined in 
                section 229.5 of title 49, Code of Federal 
                Regulations); or
                    ``(C) an electronically controlled pneumatic brake 
                system (as defined in section 232.5 of title 49, Code 
                of Federal Regulations).
            ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the 
        operation of a high-hazard flammable train that is limited to a 
        maximum speed of 30 miles per hour.
            ``(3) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
        construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to promulgate 
        regulations or issue orders under other law.
    ``(e) Installation of Wayside Defective Bearing Detectors.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), each railroad 
        carrier shall install wayside defective bearing detectors at 
        least every 40 miles along main line track--
                    ``(A) that the railroad carrier owns or has been 
                assigned maintenance responsibility under section 213.5 
                of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    ``(B) over which 1 or more high-hazard flammable 
                trains are operated.
            ``(2) Completion.--
                    ``(A) Progress report.--Not later than 180 days 
                after the date of enactment of the Rail Safety 
                Improvement Act of 2014, a railroad carrier shall 
                submit to the Secretary a report describing the 
                progress the railroad carrier has made toward 
                completion of the installation of wayside defective 
                bearing detectors under paragraph (1).
                    ``(B) Completion date.--After reviewing the report 
                submitted under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
                establish a date by which the railroad carrier must 
                complete the installation of wayside defective bearing 
                detectors under paragraph (1).
            ``(3) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
        situation in which the Secretary determines that track 
        configuration or other safety considerations dictate otherwise.
    ``(f) Inspections.--A railroad carrier shall--
            ``(1) conduct at least 2 automated track geometry 
        inspections each calendar year on main line track--
                    ``(A) that the railroad carrier owns or has been 
                assigned maintenance responsibility under section 213.5 
                of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    ``(B) over which a high-hazard flammable train is 
                operated;
            ``(2) perform at least 1 additional internal rail 
        inspection each calendar year than is required under section 
        213.237(c) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations on main 
        line track--
                    ``(A) that the railroad carrier owns or has been 
                assigned maintenance responsibility under section 213.5 
                of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    ``(B) over which a high-hazard flammable train is 
                operated; and
            ``(3) perform at least 1 additional track inspection per 
        week than is required under section 213.233(c) of title 49, 
        Code of Federal Regulations, on each main line track--
                    ``(A) that the railroad carrier owns or has been 
                assigned maintenance responsibility under section 213.5 
                of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    ``(B) over which a high-hazard flammable train is 
                operated.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 51 is 
amended by adding after the item relating to section 5110 the 
following:

``5111. Requirements for the operation of high-hazard flammable 
                            trains.''.
    (c) Oil Spill Prevention and Response Plans.--
            (1) Submission and approval procedures.--Not later than 180 
        days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
        Transportation shall promulgate regulations to require approval 
        of each oil spill prevention and response plan submitted or 
        resubmitted to the Federal Railroad Administrator (for tank 
        cars) to ensure it meets all the requirements of part 130 of 
        title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as revised under 
        paragraph (2) of this subsection. The regulations shall include 
        notice of, and an opportunity to respond to, including the 
        opportunity for an informal conference, any alleged plan 
        deficiencies or proposed plan revisions and an opportunity to 
        correct any plan deficiencies.
            (2) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
        revise the regulations under part 130 of the Code of Federal 
        Regulations (relating to oil spill prevention and response 
        plans) to modify the 1,000 barrels (42,000 gallons) threshold 
        for a comprehensive oil spill prevention and response plan to 
        account for worst-case discharges resulting from accidents 
        involving unit trains or blocks of 20 or more tank cars.
    (d) Positive Train Control.--Section 20157(a)(1) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Not later than 18 months after the date 
        of enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, each'' 
        and inserting ``Each'';
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and 
        inserting a semicolon;
            (3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); 
        and
            (4) by inserting after subparagraph (B), the following:
                    ``(C) its main line over which 20 or more tank cars 
                loaded with petroleum crude oil, Class 3 (as described 
                in section 172.101 of title 49, Code of Federal 
                Regulations) are transported; and''.
    (e) Short Line and Regional Railroad Safety Grants.--Section 20108 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Short Line and Regional Railroad Safety Initiative.--
            ``(1) Grants authorized.--The Secretary may award grants to 
        private or nonprofit organizations involved in, or affiliated 
        with, transportation by Class II or Class III railroads.
            ``(2) Use of funds.--Grant funds awarded under this 
        subsection shall be used for research, development, testing, 
        evaluation, and training efforts that are designed to enhance 
        rail safety practices and safety culture.
            ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--
                    ``(A) Fiscal year 2015.--There is authorized to be 
                appropriated to the Secretary $2,000,000 for fiscal 
                year 2015 for grants under this subsection.
                    ``(B) Fiscal years 2016 through 2019.--There is 
                authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such 
                sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 
                2016 through 2019 for grants under this subsection.
                    ``(C) Availability.--Amounts appropriated under 
                this paragraph shall remain available until 
                expended.''.
    (f) Accident Analysis and Mitigation.--With amounts appropriated 
under section 20117(a) of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary 
of Transportation shall conduct accident analysis and mitigation 
research to examine--
            (1) how the safety risks of transporting energy products by 
        rail changes from source to destination;
            (2) the likelihood and consequences of accidents during 
        pre-treatment, classification, loading, transit, and unloading;
            (3) mitigation strategies to reduce identified risks 
        throughout the supply chain, including--
                    (A) regulation and enforcement;
                    (B) more accurate classification methods;
                    (C) alternative routing;
                    (D) reduced speeds;
                    (E) improved braking;
                    (F) improved tank car crashworthiness; and
                    (G) better informed emergency responders.
    (g) Research on Tank Car Safety.--With amounts appropriated under 
section 20117(a) of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall supplement research conducted by the Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on the development of a 
Liquefied Natural Gas bulk tank car and locomotive tender designs by 
conducting full-scale impact tests to assess performance, puncture 
resistance, and validate computer simulations.

SEC. 7. AMENDMENTS TO THE SAFETY APPLIANCE LAW.

    (a) Moving Defective and Insecure Vehicles Needing Repairs.--
            (1) In general.--Section 20303 is amended by adding at the 
        end the following:
    ``(d) Definition of Nearest.--The term `nearest' means the closest 
in the forward direction of travel for the defective or insecure 
vehicle.''.
            (2) Technical amendments.--Section 20303(a)(2) is amended 
        by striking ``clause (1) of this subsection'' and inserting 
        ``paragraph (1)''.
    (b) Exemption for Technological Improvements.--Section 20306 is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``; or'' and 
        inserting a semicolon;
            (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; or''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) a regulation promulgated under section 553 of title 
        5, United States Code.''.

SEC. 8. AMENDMENTS TO THE LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION LAW.

    (a)  Requirements for Use.--Section 20701 is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``A railroad 
        carrier'' and indenting appropriately;
            (2) in subsection (a)(2), as redesignated, by striking ``; 
        and'' and inserting a semicolon;
            (3) in subsection (a)(3), as redesignated, by striking the 
        period and inserting ``; and'';
            (4) in subsection (a), as redesignated, by adding at the 
        end the following:
            ``(4) are of a unique design or utilize a new power source 
        technology that has been approved in advance by the 
        Secretary.''; and
            (5) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Definition of New Power Source Technology.--For the purposes 
of subsection (a)(4), the term `new power source technology' means a 
technology that employs a source of motive power other than diesel 
fuel, electricity, or steam.''.

SEC. 9. REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED TRACK INSPECTION EQUIPMENT.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 201 is amended by adding 
after section 20120 the following:
``Sec. 20121. Repair and replacement of damaged track inspection 
              equipment
    ``The Secretary of Transportation may receive and expend cash, or 
receive and utilize spare parts and similar items, from non-United 
States Government sources to repair damages to or replace United States 
Government owned automated track inspection cars and equipment as a 
result of third-party liability for such damages, and any amounts 
collected under this section shall be credited directly to the Railroad 
Safety and Operations account of the Federal Railroad Administration, 
and shall remain available until expended for the repair, operation, 
and maintenance of automated track inspection cars and equipment in 
connection with the automated track inspection program.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for subchapter I 
of chapter 201 is amended by adding after section 21020 the following:

``20121. Repair and replacement of damaged track inspection 
                            equipment.''.

SEC. 10. COMMUTER RAIL TRACK INSPECTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended by 
section 4 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``Sec. 20172. Commuter rail track inspections
    ``(a) In General.--When performing an inspection as required under 
subpart F of part 213 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, a 
railroad carrier providing commuter rail passenger transportation on 
high density commuter railroad lines (as described in section 
213.233(b)(3) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) shall, at a 
minimum--
            ``(1) actually traverse each main line by vehicle or 
        inspect each main line on foot at least once every 2 weeks; and
            ``(2) actually traverse and inspect each siding by vehicle 
        or by foot at least once every month.
    ``(b) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
limit the authority of the Secretary to promulgate regulations or issue 
orders under other law.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for subchapter II 
of chapter 201, as amended by section 4 of this Act, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following:

``20172. Commuter rail track inspections.''.

SEC. 11. AUTOMATED TRACK GEOMETRY INSPECTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall promulgate such 
regulations as the Secretary considers necessary to require each 
railroad carrier to conduct at least 1 annual automated track geometry 
inspection on all high-tonnage routes (as defined by the Secretary), 
passenger train routes, and hazardous materials routes on main line 
track that the railroad carrier owns or has been assigned maintenance 
responsibility under section 213.5 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    (b) Exceptions.--In promulgating the regulations under subsection 
(a), the Secretary of Transportation may provide an exception for a 
railroad carrier that demonstrates, to the Secretary's satisfaction, 
that its inspection practices provide an equivalent level of safety 
benefit.
    (c) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
limit the authority of the Secretary to promulgate regulations or issue 
orders under other law.

SEC. 12. SPEED ENFORCEMENT.

    (a) Automated Train Control Inspections.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall promulgate regulations requiring each railroad 
carrier operating in automated train control territory to perform a 
regular inspection at each location that has a reduction of more than 
20 miles per hour in the maximum authorized speed until the Secretary 
has certified the railroad carrier's positive train control system 
under section 20157(h) of title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Signage.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall promulgate regulations 
requiring the installation of signs to warn train crews before they 
approach a location where there is a permanent reduction of more than 
20 miles per hour in the maximum authorized speed.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives a report describing--
            (1) the actions the railroad carriers have taken in 
        response to Safety Advisory 2013-08, entitled Operational Tests 
        and Inspections for Compliance With Maximum Authorized Train 
        Speeds and Other Speed Restrictions; and
            (2) the actions the Federal Railroad Administration has 
        taken to determine and ensure compliance with that safety 
        advisory.

SEC. 13. UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENT.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Transportation shall revise the regulations in section 
232.103(n) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to 
securement of unattended equipment, to incorporate those requirements 
under Federal Railroad Administration Emergency Order No. 28 (78 Fed. 
Reg. 48218; relating to establishing additional requirements for 
attendance and securement of certain freight trains and vehicles on 
mainline track or mainline siding outside of a yard or terminal) to the 
extent the Secretary considers practicable.

SEC. 14. RAIL SAFETY OVERSIGHT IMPROVEMENTS.

    (a) Risk Reduction Implementation Plan.--Not later than 60 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall develop and submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives an 
implementation plan for the oversight of railroad safety risk reduction 
programs developed under section 20156 of title 49, United States Code. 
The plan shall contain--
            (1) interim milestones for finalizing any regulation 
        required to implement section 20156 of title 49, United States 
        Code; and
            (2) estimated timeframes for the review and approval of 
        railroad safety risk reduction program components required 
        under section 20156(d)(2) of title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Human Capital Plan.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a long-range 
        strategic human capital plan for the Federal Railroad 
        Administration. The plan shall--
                    (A) identify and prioritize the Federal Railroad 
                Administration's human capital needs over a minimum of 
                5 years;
                    (B) align the human capital needs under 
                subparagraph (A) with the Federal Railroad 
                Administration's safety mission; and
                    (C) include specific approaches for how the 
                Secretary will ensure that the Federal Railroad 
                Administration has enough inspectors to perform its 
                current and future oversight work, including the 
                implementation of requirements for positive train 
                control and railroad safety risk reduction programs.
            (2) Considerations.--In developing the plan, the Secretary 
        shall consider--
                    (A) whether the Federal Railroad Administration's 
                staffing allocation process is flexible enough to 
                respond to shifts in rail traffic volumes and patterns 
                across different regions; and
                    (B) railroad industry trends, projected 
                retirements, skill gaps, and training needs.
            (3) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the plan is 
        complete, the Secretary shall transmit a report to the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
        of the House of Representatives that summarizes the contents of 
        the plan and describes how the Secretary will prioritize 
        resources to mitigate the largest rail safety oversight risks 
        and to prevent rail accidents.

SEC. 15. REPORTS ON STATUTORY MANDATES AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

    Section 106 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (49 U.S.C. 
20101 note) is amended by striking ``Not later than December 31, 2008, 
and annually thereafter, the Secretary'' and inserting ``Not later than 
90 days after the date of enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act 
of 2014, and quarterly thereafter, the Administrator of the Federal 
Railroad Administration''.

SEC. 16. OPERATION DEEP DIVE; REPORT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and quarterly thereafter until the completion date, the 
Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives a report on the progress of Metro-North Commuter 
Railroad in implementing the directives and recommendations issued by 
the Federal Railroad Administration in its March 2014 report to 
Congress, Operation Deep Dive Metro-North Commuter Railroad Safety 
Assessment. Not later than 30 days after the completion date, the 
Federal Railroad Administration shall submit a final report on the 
directives and recommendations to Congress.
    (b) Definition of Completion Date.--For purposes of this section, 
the term ``completion date'' means the date that Metro-North Commuter 
Railroad has completed all of the directives and recommendations issued 
by the Federal Railroad Administration in its March 2014 report to 
Congress.

SEC. 17. USE OF CERTAIN REPORTS AND SURVEYS.

    (a) In General.--Section 20119 of title 49, United States Code, is 
repealed.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
20119.

SEC. 18. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; MISCELLANEOUS.

    (a) Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Study.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation such sums as may 
be necessary to conduct a study of railroad operations that block 
highway-rail grade crossings, including the severity, frequency, and 
other characteristics of such blockages, to remain available until 
expended. For the purpose of this subsection, the term ``highway-rail 
grade crossing'' has the meaning given the term in section 20153(a) of 
title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Train Length Study.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary of Transportation such sums as may be necessary to 
conduct a study of whether train length correlates with the severity 
and frequency of train derailments, to remain available until expended.
    (c) Operation Lifesaver; Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 
206(c) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (49 U.S.C. 22501 
note) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Federal Railroad Administration for carrying out 
this section $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020.''.

SEC. 19. ENFORCEMENT.

    (a) Safety Sensitive Violations.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
issue a statement of agency policy--
            (1) defining the term ``safety sensitive violation'' for 
        purposes of the amendments under subsection (c); and
            (2) identifying in the penalty schedules those violations 
        under chapter 201, chapters 203 through 209, and chapter 211 of 
        title 49, United States Code, that meet the definition under 
        paragraph (1) of this subsection.
    (b) Notice and Comment.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
subject the statement of agency policy under subsection (a) to notice 
and comment, as the Secretary considers appropriate.
    (c) Civil Penalties Increases.--
            (1) Chapter 201 general violations.--Section 21301(a) is 
        amended--
                    (A) by inserting ``, except that if the violation 
                is a safety sensitive violation the amount of the 
                penalty shall be at least $13,000'' after ``$25,000'';
                    (B) by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting 
                ``$500,000'';
                    (C) by striking ``the amount may be not more than 
                $100,000'' and inserting ``the amount shall be at least 
                $1,000,000''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, or $13,000 
                if the violation is a safety sensitive violation,'' 
                after ``$500''.
            (2) Chapter 201 accident and incident violations; chapters 
        203 through 209 violations.--Section 21302(a)(2) is amended--
                    (A) by inserting ``, except that if the violation 
                is a safety sensitive violation the amount of the 
                penalty shall be at least $13,000'' after ``$25,000'';
                    (B) by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting 
                ``$500,000''; and
                    (C) by striking ``the amount may be not more than 
                $100,000'' and inserting ``the amount shall be at least 
                $1,000,000''.
            (3) Chapter 211 violations.--Section 21303(a)(2) is 
        amended--
                    (A) by inserting ``, except that if the violation 
                is a safety sensitive violation the amount of the 
                penalty shall be at least $13,000'' after ``$25,000'';
                    (B) by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting 
                ``$500,000''; and
                    (C) by striking ``the amount may be not more than 
                $100,000'' and inserting ``the amount shall be at least 
                $1,000,000''.
            (4) Inflation adjustments; statements of agency policy.--
        The Secretary of Transportation shall issue a statement of 
        agency policy adjusting the penalty schedules for violations of 
        chapter 201, chapters 203 through 209, and chapter 211 of title 
        49, United States Code, as necessary to account for inflation, 
        each time the Secretary is required by law to review the 
        minimum and maximum civil monetary penalty for inflation under 
        the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990. 
        The Secretary may subject the statement of agency policy to 
        notice and comment, as the Secretary considers appropriate.
    (d) Enforcement Report.--Section 20120(a)(2) is amended by 
inserting after ``prior fiscal year,'' the following: ``for both 
ordinary and safety-sensitive violations,''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments under subparagraphs (A) and (D) 
of subsection (c)(1), under subsection (c)(2)(A), and under subsection 
(c)(3)(A) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date 
that the Secretary of Transportation defines the term ``safety 
sensitive violation'' under subsection (a).

SEC. 20. CONFIDENTIAL CLOSE CALL REPORTING SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended by 
section 10, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 20173. Confidential close call reporting systems
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014, each applicable 
railroad carrier shall establish a confidential close call reporting 
system.
    ``(b) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the Rail Safety 
Improvement Act of 2014, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations 
setting forth the requirements for an applicable railroad carrier to 
follow in establishing a confidential close call reporting system 
program. The Secretary may use any information and experience gathered 
through research and pilot programs on confidential close call 
reporting systems in developing the regulations, including continuing 
the use of third parties for the collection of close call reports and 
distribution of close call data. The Secretary shall ensure that an 
applicable railroad carrier's employees receive protection under its 
program from any related Federal Railroad Administration enforcement 
actions.
    ``(c) Program Development and Oversight.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of the final regulations under subsection (b), an applicable 
        railroad carrier shall develop a proposed program and submit it 
        to the Secretary for review and approval.
            ``(2) Contents.--A railroad carrier shall describe its 
        proposed program's core principles and values, explain the 
        rights, roles, and responsibilities of program stakeholders, 
        identify concerns and interests, and describe how the program 
        will operate.
            ``(3) Review.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall review and 
                approve or disapprove each proposed program within a 
                reasonable amount of time. If a proposed program is not 
                approved, the Secretary shall notify the applicable 
                railroad carrier in writing as to the specific areas in 
                which the proposed program is deficient. The applicable 
                railroad carrier shall correct all deficiencies within 
                a reasonable period of time following receipt of 
                written notice from the Secretary.
                    ``(B) Updates.--An applicable railroad carrier 
                shall update its program as needed and obtain the 
                Secretary's approval prior to making any major changes 
                to its program.
                    ``(C) Annual reviews.--The Secretary shall conduct 
                an annual review to ensure that each applicable 
                railroad carrier is in compliance with its program.
    ``(d) Program Elements.--Each applicable railroad carrier shall--
            ``(1) provide a safe environment for its employees to 
        report unsafe events and conditions;
            ``(2) for unsafe events and conditions reported within the 
        scope of a confidential close call reporting system, ensure its 
        employees are protected from railroad carrier discipline;
            ``(3) use information collected through the confidential 
        close call reporting system to develop and implement targeted 
        corrective actions, as appropriate; and
            ``(4) use information collected by the programs to 
        supplement inspection data in identifying safety issues and 
        emerging risks before they develop into accidents.
    ``(e) Consensus.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each applicable railroad carrier shall 
        consult with, employ good faith with, and use its best efforts 
        to reach agreement with all of its directly affected employees, 
        including any nonprofit employee labor organization 
        representing a class or craft of directly affected employees of 
        the applicable railroad carrier, on the development and 
        implementation of the proposed program.
            ``(2) Statements.--If an applicable railroad carrier and 
        its directly affected employees, including any nonprofit 
        employee labor organization representing a class or craft of 
        directly affected employees of the applicable railroad carrier, 
        cannot reach consensus on the development and implementation of 
        the proposed program, then directly affected employees and such 
        organization may file a statement with the Secretary explaining 
        their views on the proposed program on which consensus was not 
        reached. The Secretary shall consider such views during review 
        of the proposed program under subsection (c)(3)(A).
    ``(f) Voluntary Program Establishment.--Any railroad carrier that 
is not an applicable railroad carrier may voluntarily establish a 
program under this section. This section, and any regulations 
promulgated under this section, shall apply to a program that is 
voluntarily established.
    ``(g) Use of Data.--The Secretary may use the confidential close 
call reporting data--
            ``(1) when implementing or updating the Federal Railroad 
        Administration's National Inspection Plan;
            ``(2) when performing focused inspections; or
            ``(3) when developing agency rulemakings and guidance, as 
        appropriate.
    ``(h) Definition of Applicable Railroad Carrier.--In this section, 
the term `applicable railroad carrier' means--
            ``(1) a railroad carrier that is a Class I railroad;
            ``(2) a railroad carrier that has inadequate safety 
        performance, as determined by the Secretary; or
            ``(3) a railroad carrier that provides intercity rail 
        passenger or commuter rail passenger transportation.
    ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to 
implement this section and support the nationwide implementation, as 
the Secretary determines appropriate, of confidential close call 
reporting system programs.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for subchapter II 
of chapter 201, as amended by section 10 of this Act, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:

``20173. Confidential close call reporting systems.''.

SEC. 21. FREIGHT TRAIN CREW SIZE.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 201, as amended by 
section 20 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``Sec. 20174. Freight train crew size
    ``(a) In General.--No freight train or light engine used in 
connection with the movement of freight may be operated unless it has a 
crew of at least 2 individuals of which--
            ``(1) 1 individual is certified as a locomotive operator 
        under section 20135; and
            ``(2) 1 individual is certified as a train conductor under 
        section 20163.
    ``(b) Definition of Light Engine.--In this section, the term `light 
engine' means a locomotive operating without cars attached or with 
caboose only.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for subchapter II 
of chapter 201, as amended by section 20 of this Act, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:

``20174. Freight train crew size.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) 
of this section shall take effect on the date that is 30 days after the 
date of enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014.
                                 <all>