Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

Rep. Robert F. Matzie    March 25, 2026 | 2:08 PM

HARRISBURG, March 25 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through.

“It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “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.”

Matzie introduced H.B. 1191 to improve public safety at railroad crossings. 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.

  • Impose civil penalties for violation of these regulations.

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

“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,” 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.