Brake for Kids Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2348
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-25: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-13T08:06:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Brake for Kids Act of 2025" (H.R. 2348) aims to enhance public safety by directing the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to create and promote a nationwide awareness campaign. The focus is on educating the public about the risks of illegally passing school buses that have stopped to load or unload children, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
Key Provisions
- Funding Source: The campaign must be funded using existing appropriations provided to the DOT under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (a 2021 law that allocates money for transportation improvements).
- Campaign Development and Distribution: The Secretary of Transportation is required to produce and distribute the messaging materials on a national scale.
- Media Requirements:
- Include television ads and spots during major national broadcasts to reach broad audiences.
- Incorporate radio ads, social media promotions, and advertising on edge services (online platforms or digital networks that deliver content directly to users).
- Ensure the campaign goes beyond just digital downloads or local efforts, making it truly nationwide and accessible through multiple channels.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new federal mandate for a specific public safety campaign, which does not appear to amend or repeal any prior laws. It builds on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by designating some of its funds for this purpose, creating a dedicated effort where none existed before at the national level. Previously, school bus safety education might have been handled locally or through general DOT initiatives, but this formalizes a coordinated, nationwide approach.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DOT will need to allocate resources for campaign production, media buying, and distribution, potentially requiring coordination with advertising firms and broadcasters. This could strain budgets if funds are limited, but it leverages existing appropriations without needing new money.
- On Citizens: Drivers and the general public may gain better awareness of school bus laws (e.g., stopping for flashing lights and extended stop arms), leading to fewer violations and safer conditions for children. Parents and communities could see reduced risks of pedestrian accidents near schools.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill is focused on domestic transportation safety.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- School Children and Parents: Primary beneficiaries, as the campaign targets protections for students boarding or exiting buses.
- Drivers and the Public: Targeted for education to change behaviors around school zones.
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Responsible for implementation and oversight.
- Schools and Local Transportation Authorities: Indirectly supported through heightened national awareness, which may complement local enforcement efforts.
- Media and Advertising Entities: Involved in producing and airing the campaign materials.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is straightforward and enforceable through DOT's existing authority over transportation safety. It avoids complex enforcement mechanisms, focusing instead on voluntary education rather than new penalties.
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it aligns with the federal government's role in interstate commerce and public welfare under the Commerce Clause, without infringing on state powers (states already enforce school bus laws).
- Political: Sponsored by a bipartisan group of representatives (including Republicans and Democrats), suggesting broad support for child safety. It could serve as a model for future public awareness initiatives but may face scrutiny over the use of infrastructure funds for non-infrastructure purposes like advertising.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (31)
Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-25: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-03-25: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Brake for Kids Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (2 pages)