Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1988

Summary

Railroad Safety Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Makes it unlawful for any person performing safety-sensitive functions to fail to comply with rules or regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary). Increases from $2,500 to $10,000 the maximum civil penalty for violations of such rules or regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assess a civil penalty against any person violating such rules or regulations; and (2) prohibit an individual from performing in a safety-sensitive task in the rail industry if the individual has been shown to be unfit for such task. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations concerning the minimum qualifications of train operators. Directs the Secretary to consider the establishment of an engineer licensing program, uniform minimum qualifications standards, and a review program of each railroad's own qualification standards. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning operator qualifications and evaluations of anticipated rules and standards. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning operator qualifications and evaluations of anticipated rules and standards. Authorizes individual access to the National Driver Register for purposes of railroad employment in safety-sensitive functions. Provides for reasonable damages (including a maximum amount of punitive damages) for employees aggrieved by certain discriminatory practices other than discharge, suspension, or pay reduction. Provides for expediting any proceeding with respect to a dispute, grievance, or claim for discharge or discrimination. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to identify additional Northeast Corridor improvement projects. Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to include within the term "railroad": (1) all forms of non-highway ground transportation running on rails or electromagnetic guideways (except for rapid transit operations within an urban area not connected to the general railroad system); (2) metropolitan or suburban rail passenger service (including commuter service operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation); and (3) high speed ground transportation systems connecting metropolitan areas. Repeals certain railroad safety directives regarding track safety, oscillating lights, and safety areas. Confers jurisdiction upon Federal district courts to issue an order to certain individuals, partnerships, or corporations to immediately comply with an order or subpoena issued by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within six months after the date of enactment of this Act regarding the imposition of user fees to fund administrative costs of Federal railroad safety and noise control laws. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary submit to the President and the Congress a certain comprehensive railroad safety report.

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Documents

6 official files

• Public Law (PDF)

  Public Law · EN · 23 June 1988

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• Conference report filed in House

  summary · EN · 19 May 1988

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• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 3 February 1988

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• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 5 November 1987

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• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 1 September 1987

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• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 23 July 1987

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