Protect Our Students Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6821
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-03T09:05:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Protect Our Students Act (H.R. 6821) aims to improve safety in school zones by expanding federal funding eligibility under state highway safety programs. It addresses the high number of student injuries and deaths from traffic incidents while walking to or from school, emphasizing that no student should fear for their safety during these commutes.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Highlights the prevalence of school zone safety risks, noting approximately 100 student deaths and 25,000 injuries annually from traffic incidents en route to school, and calls for increased federal attention and funding.
- Expansion of Highway Safety Programs (Section 3): Amends Section 402(a)(2)(vi) of Title 23, United States Code, to explicitly include reducing injuries and deaths from traffic incidents in school zones as an eligible activity under state highway safety programs.
- Regulations for Implementation (Section 4): Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations clarifying allowable uses of funds for school zone safety, including:
- Hiring crossing guards.
- Installing flashing lights and beacons.
- Adding visible signage and road markings.
- Building crosswalks.
- Implementing traffic calming measures, such as pedestrian islands (raised areas in the road to slow vehicles and protect walkers).
- Upgrading traffic lights.
- Conducting school zone audits and safety assessments.
- Using automated traffic enforcement (e.g., speed cameras).
- Funding non-infrastructure aspects of the Safe Routes to School program (education and encouragement programs to promote walking and biking safely, without building new structures).
- Funding Allocation Increase (Section 5): Amends Section 402(b)(1)(C) of Title 23, United States Code, to raise the minimum allocation percentage for certain highway safety programs from 40% to 50%, potentially increasing available funds for school zone initiatives.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Broadens the scope of Title 23's highway safety programs (Section 402) to specifically cover school zone traffic incidents, which were not explicitly mentioned before.
- Introduces detailed examples of eligible safety improvements via new regulations, providing clearer guidance for states on how to use federal funds.
- Increases the required state allocation for occupational safety programs (which now encompass school zones), shifting more federal highway funds toward pedestrian and student safety efforts.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will need to develop and enforce new regulations, potentially increasing administrative workload but enabling better oversight of state programs. State departments of transportation may receive more funding flexibility and resources for local safety projects.
- On Citizens: Students and pedestrians, particularly children, could benefit from safer routes to school through enhanced infrastructure and enforcement, reducing injury risks. Parents and communities may see fewer traffic-related tragedies.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic transportation safety measure focused on U.S. highways and schools.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Schoolchildren: Primary beneficiaries, with reduced exposure to traffic dangers.
- Parents and Families: Gain peace of mind from safer school zones.
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Involved in audits, assessments, and non-infrastructure programs like Safe Routes to School.
- State and Local Governments: Receive expanded federal funding but must implement eligible projects, including hiring guards and installing safety features.
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Responsible for regulations and fund oversight.
- Pedestrian Safety Advocates and Crossing Guards: Opportunities for employment and program support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal support for state-level traffic safety without mandating specific actions, relying on voluntary program participation. The bill's regulations could standardize safety practices nationwide, potentially reducing litigation over school zone accidents by clarifying funding uses.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate highways and safety, posing no apparent challenges to federalism as it enhances rather than overrides state programs.
- Political: Signals bipartisan priority on child safety and infrastructure, potentially influencing future transportation funding debates (e.g., in reauthorizations of the Highway Trust Fund). It may encourage states to prioritize pedestrian protections amid growing concerns over urban traffic and climate-related walking/biking initiatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-12-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Protect Our Students Act — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (3 pages)