RIDER Safety Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6069

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Last Updated

2026-06-24T08:10:09Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The RIDER Safety Act (H.R. 6069) aims to improve safety on public transit systems by expanding federal grant eligibility to fund unarmed personnel known as "transit support specialists." These specialists would help deter crime, assist riders, and de-escalate situations without relying solely on law enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Grant Eligibility: Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide operational grants (in addition to existing capital grants) for crime prevention and security measures, specifically including funding for transit support specialists using funds available under section 5338 of title 49, United States Code.
• Definition of Transit Support Specialist: Defines these as unarmed personnel who perform non-law enforcement duties to enhance security and rider experience on transit vehicles, stops, and stations. Their roles include:
• Monitoring stations and vehicles.
• Assisting riders and transit staff.
• Reporting medical emergencies.
• Engaging with the public to deter disruptive behavior and security risks.
• Observing and reporting suspicious activity to transit personnel or law enforcement.
• Handling minor conflicts through non-criminal channels to conserve law enforcement for serious incidents.
• Providing crisis intervention to de-escalate situations and connect patrons with services.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends section 5321 of title 49, United States Code, which previously focused on capital grants for crime prevention and security.
• Introduces a new subsection (a) for capital grants and adds subsection (b) for the definition of transit support specialists.
• Overrides a restriction in section 5307(a)(1)(D) to allow operational grants specifically for these specialists, broadening the use of federal transit security funding beyond infrastructure to include personnel support.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation (DOT) will administer expanded grants, potentially increasing federal spending on transit security while allowing public transportation systems to hire more support staff without arming them.
• Citizens: Transit riders may experience safer, more reassuring environments through visible, helpful personnel, leading to reduced disruptions and faster responses to non-emergency issues. This could improve access to public transit, especially in urban areas.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. transit systems.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Public Transportation Systems and Agencies: Eligible recipients of the new grants, enabling them to enhance security without increasing law enforcement budgets.
• Transit Riders and the Public: Benefit from improved safety, assistance, and de-escalation services on buses, trains, and stations.
• Transit Personnel and Unarmed Specialists: Opportunities for employment in supportive roles focused on community engagement rather than enforcement.
• Federal Government (DOT and Congress): Responsible for funding allocation and oversight, with potential effects on federal transit budgets.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens federal support for transit security under existing grant programs without altering core law enforcement structures, emphasizing unarmed roles to avoid potential liability issues related to armed personnel.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate transportation; no apparent conflicts with individual rights, as it promotes voluntary public engagement rather than surveillance or enforcement.
• Political: Could appeal to bipartisan interests in public safety and efficient use of resources, potentially reducing reliance on police in transit settings amid broader debates on policing and mental health support. May face scrutiny over federal funding priorities in a constrained budget environment.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]

Cosponsors (20)

Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
• 2025-11-17: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-11-17: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Rider Safety Act — issued 2025-11-17 — PDF (3 pages)