Kids on the Go Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3931
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T14:13:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Kids on the Go Act of 2025" (H.R. 3931) aims to encourage states to hire coordinators for safe routes to school programs by offering a higher level of federal funding support for related projects. These programs focus on making it safer and easier for children to walk, bike, or use other non-motorized transport to school, reducing traffic congestion and promoting healthier habits.
Key Provisions
- Requirement for Coordinators: Maintains the existing federal rule that each state must employ a "safe routes to school coordinator" to oversee planning, implementation, and promotion of safe transportation options for students.
- Incentive for Compliance: If a state employs such a coordinator, the federal government's contribution (known as the "federal share") to eligible projects or activities under the Safe Routes to School Program increases to 95% of the total cost. This applies specifically to amendments in Section 208(g)(3) of Title 23, United States Code, which governs highway and transportation funding.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill modifies the language in 23 U.S.C. § 208(g)(3) by restructuring it into subsections (A) and (B):
- Subsection (A) restates the general requirement for states to employ coordinators.
- Subsection (B) introduces the new 95% federal share provision, overriding other funding limits in Title 23 for qualifying projects.
- Previously, the law required coordinators but did not tie their employment to an enhanced federal funding match; this creates a direct financial incentive, potentially shifting from standard federal shares (often around 80-90% in transportation programs) to a higher 95% rate.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) may see increased federal spending on safe routes projects in compliant states, while state transportation departments could face pressure to hire coordinators to access the higher funding, possibly straining state budgets if they opt out.
- On Citizens: Families and children in participating states could benefit from improved sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic safety measures near schools, leading to safer commutes, reduced vehicle emissions, and more active lifestyles. Non-compliant states might lag in these improvements.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic transportation funding measure.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States and Local Governments: Primarily state departments of transportation, which must decide whether to employ coordinators to qualify for the 95% funding boost.
- Schools and Educators: Benefit from enhanced safe routes infrastructure, potentially increasing student participation in walking or biking programs.
- Children and Parents: Key beneficiaries through safer and more accessible school travel options.
- Federal Government: The DOT and Congress, as they allocate funds and oversee program compliance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The change is a targeted amendment to federal highway law (Title 23), using conditional funding to enforce program requirements without mandating new spending. It could face challenges if interpreted as coercive federal overreach, though similar funding incentives are common in U.S. transportation policy.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I, Section 8, allowing conditional grants to states for public welfare (e.g., child safety). No apparent First Amendment or equal protection issues.
- Political: May appeal to bipartisan interests in child safety and infrastructure, but could spark debates over federal spending priorities amid budget constraints. Encourages state-level action without new mandates, potentially reducing political friction.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]
Cosponsors (15)
Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-06-11: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-06-11: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Kids on the Go Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-11 — PDF (2 pages)