Category: Legislation
New Rail Safety Bill Addresses East Palestine “Vent and Burn” Failures
As the third anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio derailment approaches, SMART-TD has endorsed the Under Pressure Act. Introduced Jan. 15, 2026, the bipartisan bill is an important step in safely responding to tank cars involved in a derailment. Read on to learn why this is important for us all.
Victory in Chicago as SMART-TD Helps Establish New $1.5 Billion Transit Agency
On December 16, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (NITA) into law, ensuring that Chicago’s transit systems are guaranteed the funding they need to avoid service and job cuts. SMART-TD was invited to attend the signing and was instrumental in passing this critical legislation. Read on to learn more about another legislative win for our union.
New Jersey Train Length, Crew Size Law Awaits Governor’s Signature
A historic, first-of-its-kind rail safety bill has passed both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature! Read on to see more on the major protections like maximum train length limits and strict two-person crew requirements for freight rail workers.
Transit Funding Boost Proposed by SMART-TD Backed Bill
The Moving Transit Forward Act reignites interest in helping transit agencies meet operational and security shortfalls. The act taps into a funding mechanism that already provides grants to city transit systems. Read on to learn more about the Act and SMART-TD's support.
New Mass. Law Protects SMART-TD Transit Members
On Wednesday afternoon, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey strengthened protections for public and private transit workers by signing H. 4645 into law. Several SMART-TD members championed this legislation from Day 1, pushed to get it over the finish line, and were present for the signing. Read on to learn about the new protections and how they could lead to improved conditions for workers across the country.
Veteran Benefits Enhancement Act Protects Railroaders Who Served
SMART-TD has endorsed Rep. Melanie Stanbury’s “Veteran Benefits Enhancement Act” (H.R. 5982) which restores full Railroad Retirement Board unemployment benefits, which has been unfairly reduced by military retirement pay. Read on to learn more about the bill and this union’s commitment to our veterans.
Call to Action in Mass.: Transit Safety Legislation Up for Final Vote
The Massachusetts State Senate is holding an important vote tomorrow (Thursday, November 6, around 11:00 am) to solidify stronger safety protections for transit workers. All available members are asked to attend and show their support. Read on to learn more about the legislation and why this vote is critical.
CSX Asks to keep Safety Reports out of the Crew Rooms, Injuries are Up, Fatalities Continue, and Transparency is Down
CSX was granted a waiver in 2020 on the condition they would ensure easy access to accident and injury reports with their employees. They didn’t. They haven’t. And they had five years to get it right. Now they want another 5-year pass to keep these reports buried in an electronic system that, as every railroader already knows, most crew members cannot easily access while on duty. Read on to see how, with our members’ help, SMART-TD shared the real story about CSX safety culture with the FRA.