Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7263
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T08:09:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act" aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that drivers of new motorcoaches (large buses used for passenger transport) have a clear, unobstructed view ahead from their seat. This is intended to reduce accidents at intersections involving buses and pedestrians or other vehicles, addressing visibility issues caused by design elements like large mirrors or pillars.
Key Provisions
- New Safety Standards: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Transportation, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), must establish federal motor vehicle safety standards requiring all new "covered motorcoaches" sold in the U.S. to provide a minimally obstructed forward-facing view from the driver's seat.
- Technology Exception: Motorcoaches can meet the standards using cameras or other technologies that expand the driver's forward view or show obstructed areas, as long as these systems comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 101, which governs vehicle controls and displays (e.g., ensuring displays are readable and functional).
- Definitions:
- Covered motorcoach: Refers to buses as defined in federal regulations (49 CFR 571.3(b)), typically large passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds designed for over 10 passengers.
- Standard 101: FMVSS 101, the existing federal rule on dashboard controls and information displays.
- Implementation: The bill adds a new section (30130) to the U.S. Code (title 49, subchapter II, chapter 301) and updates the table of contents accordingly.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This introduces a new federal safety requirement specifically for motorcoach visibility, building on the existing framework of motor vehicle safety standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
- It does not alter current standards for existing vehicles but applies only to new manufacturing, allowing flexibility for technology-based solutions rather than mandating physical design changes alone.
- No changes to enforcement mechanisms; compliance would be overseen by NHTSA as with other FMVSS rules.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: NHTSA will need to develop and enforce the new standards, potentially requiring resources for rulemaking, testing, and compliance monitoring.
- Citizens and Public Safety: Could reduce bus-related crashes (e.g., those involving blind spots), benefiting pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers; estimated to prevent injuries and fatalities without directly affecting vehicle costs for consumers.
- Industry: Bus manufacturers must redesign or equip new models, possibly increasing production costs (passed to buyers), but the technology exception may encourage innovation in camera systems.
- International Relations: Minimal impact, as the standards apply to vehicles sold in the U.S., though foreign manufacturers exporting to the U.S. market would need to comply.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Bus Manufacturers: Primary group required to redesign vehicles for compliance.
- Transit Agencies and Bus Operators: Will purchase safer new vehicles, improving operational safety.
- Drivers and Passengers: Gain better visibility, reducing accident risks.
- Pedestrians and Road Users: Indirect beneficiaries through fewer collisions at intersections.
- NHTSA and Federal Government: Responsible for implementation and oversight.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Representatives Menendez, Frost, Gillen, Bresnahan, Fitzpatrick, and Lawler, indicating support from both parties focused on transportation safety.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the federal role in vehicle safety regulation under the Commerce Clause, with no apparent conflicts to existing laws; enforcement would follow standard NHTSA processes, including fines for non-compliance.
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it regulates interstate commerce in vehicles without infringing on free speech, privacy, or state powers.
- Political: Promotes public safety in a non-partisan way, addressing a targeted gap in bus design amid rising concerns over road fatalities; could set precedent for technology-integrated safety rules in future legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (3 pages)