California Lawmaker Pushes for Tougher Rail Safety Rules After Stockton Derailment

The proposed legislation aims to enhance safety and protect communities near hazardous rail lines.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A California congressman is calling for increased railroad oversight and safety regulations following a recent train derailment in Stockton and the three-year anniversary of a destructive railway accident in East Palestine, Ohio. The proposed bipartisan bill would mandate two-person train crews, require the installation of defect detectors, and force railroads to fund more hazardous materials training for first responders.

Why it matters

Train derailments can have devastating impacts on nearby communities, disrupting power, causing environmental damage, and putting public safety at risk. This legislation aims to address these concerns by strengthening safety standards and oversight for the rail industry.

The details

The bill would require new railroad safety standards, including having at least two crew members on board trains, installing defect detectors to spot mechanical problems, and forcing railroads to fund more hazardous materials training for first responders. Penalties for safety violations would also be increased.

  • The three-year anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment fire and explosion was this week.
  • A train derailment in Stockton, California occurred on Monday, leaving thousands without power.

The players

Congressman John Garamendi

A California congressman who is co-sponsoring the bipartisan rail safety bill.

Ed Kelly

The general president of the International Association of Firefighters, who says more needs to be done to protect communities near hazardous rail lines.

Association of American Railroads

The industry group that opposes the proposed regulations, arguing there is no proven safety benefit to justify the cost of requiring two-person train crews.

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What they’re saying

“Millions of Americans live and work along hazmat railways. We need to protect them.”

— Ed Kelly, General President, International Association of Firefighters

“This rail safety bill covers sensible things. It's not complex, but it is very, very important.”

— Congressman John Garamendi

What’s next

The authors of the bill are trying to get it included in a vote for the new federal surface transportation reauthorization act.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to enhance safety and protect communities near hazardous rail lines by strengthening oversight, requiring additional crew members, and improving training for first responders - measures that could help prevent future train derailment disasters.