PHASE Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4904
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-29T08:07:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes the "Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion Act of 2025" (PHASE Act of 2025). Its main goal is to direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and promote physical and technological measures that reduce traffic incidents involving pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, such as bicyclists.
Key Provisions
- NIST Responsibilities: The NIST Director must identify and transmit to the DOT Secretary innovative technology solutions for improving traffic control devices. These solutions must include supporting evidence that they avoid overwhelming or distracting vehicle operators, bicyclists, or pedestrians, and must align with all applicable federal regulations.
- DOT Study: The Secretary of Transportation must conduct a study that:
- Identifies urban areas with rising pedestrian fatalities based on available data.
- Examines physical alternatives to reduce crashes with vulnerable road users.
- Assesses the effects of intelligent speed assistance and blind spot detection systems on road user safety.
- Congressional Briefing: The Secretary must brief the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations on study results within two years of enactment.
- Grant Program: DOT must create a grant program for cities, Indian Tribes, and municipalities to fund pedestrian safety infrastructure. Eligible projects include innovative crosswalks, buffer zones, pedestrian crossings, bridge accommodations, upgraded signals, accessible sidewalks and curb ramps, increased signage and lighting, and grade-separated crossings. All projects must comply with federal regulations and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
- Funding: Authorizes $5,000,000 annually for the grant program. Applicants must submit required information to the Secretary.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces new mandatory duties for NIST and DOT without directly amending prior statutes. It creates a federal grant program for local pedestrian infrastructure and requires a targeted safety study and congressional reporting, expanding DOT's role in research and funding distribution.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: NIST gains a new research and transmission role; DOT assumes study, briefing, and grant administration duties, supported by new appropriations.
- Citizens: May lead to enhanced physical protections and technologies in high-risk urban areas, potentially lowering pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Pedestrians and vulnerable road users (including bicyclists).
- Local governments, cities, municipalities, and Indian Tribes eligible for grants.
- Vehicle operators who would interact with new technologies.
- Federal agencies (NIST and DOT).
- Congressional oversight committees.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill emphasizes compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and existing federal regulations, ensuring accessibility in new infrastructure. It contains no apparent constitutional concerns and focuses on safety enhancements through research and grants, with no international or political provisions noted.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-08-05: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-08-05: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-08-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-05 — PDF (4 pages)