PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 17, 2025
Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act
This bill establishes a framework for the placement or modification of broadband or telecommunications equipment in a railroad corridor.
Specifically, if a broadband or telecommunications provider is seeking to place or modify equipment within a railroad carrier’s right-of-way, the provider must submit an application to the carrier. A carrier must approve or deny an application within 60 days of receipt, and may only deny an application for safety reasons or if the placement or modification would substantially interfere with or damage railroad infrastructure. Once an application is approved, work must be scheduled in coordination with the carrier and generally must begin within 30 days. A provider must pay the railroad carrier for actual costs incurred with respect to the application.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
However, if a provider has been authorized by a state or local government to place or modify equipment in a public right-of-way in an area that intersects with a railroad corridor, the provider need only notify the relevant railroad carrier and schedule the work in coordination with the carrier. Work must generally begin between 15 and 30 days after the notification is submitted. No fee is required.
A provider or carrier may petition the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for relief if the other has failed to comply with these provisions.
The FCC must promulgate regulations to implement these provisions in a manner that ensures railroad safety, provides a timelier process for emergency situations, and prevents substantial interference with railroad infrastructure or operations, among other requirements.
People & committees
Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13] · R–PA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Feb 3, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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