STAR Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8399

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Last Updated

2026-04-28T08:06:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Saving Transit Art Resources Act (STAR Act), H.R. 8399, aims to remove federal restrictions that prevent using certain public transportation funds for the extra costs of adding art to transit facilities, such as bus stations or rail stops.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 5323(h) of Title 49, U.S. Code (general provisions on federal transit assistance):
• Adds "or" to the end of paragraph (1).
• Deletes paragraph (2) entirely.
• Renumbers paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
• Amends Section 5309 of Title 49, U.S. Code (formula grants and other federal funding for transit projects):
• Deletes subsection (p) entirely.
• Renumbers subsection (q) as subsection (p).

These changes eliminate specific rules barring the use of federal funds for art-related "incremental costs" (extra expenses beyond basic construction).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Removes prohibitions in Sections 5323(h) and 5309(p) that explicitly blocked federal transit dollars from funding artwork in facilities.
• Simplifies the structure of these sections by striking and renumbering text, making art funding permissible under broader grant rules.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and local transit authorities can now allocate certain grant funds to art, potentially increasing project flexibility without needing separate funding sources.
• Citizens: Transit users may benefit from more aesthetically pleasing stations, subways, or bus terminals, enhancing public spaces.
• No direct international relations impact.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Transit agencies and local governments: Gain freedom to incorporate art using federal funds.
• Artists and cultural organizations: Easier access to funding opportunities in public transit projects.
• Federal government (FTA/DOT): Reduced administrative restrictions on grant spending.
• Taxpayers: Potential shift in how federal transit dollars are used, prioritizing design enhancements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Streamlines federal transit funding rules without creating new mandates or penalties; aligns with existing grant flexibility.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves spending authority under Congress's commerce clause powers.
• Political: Supports public art initiatives in infrastructure, potentially appealing to urban representatives and cultural advocates; minimal controversy as it expands options rather than requiring spending.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2026-04-21: Introduced in House
• 2026-04-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Saving Transit Art Resources Act — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (2 pages)