Safe Routes Improvement Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1828
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Committee on Environment and Public Works Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2025-08-19T13:35:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Safe Routes Improvement Act aims to enhance the federal Safe Routes to School program by mandating that each state appoint a dedicated coordinator to improve program coordination and implementation. This program focuses on making it safer and easier for children to walk or bike to school through infrastructure and education efforts.
Key Provisions
- Designation Requirement: Every state must designate a coordinator for the Safe Routes to School program to act as the primary point of contact.
- Duties: The coordinator's role is limited to serving as the contact point; the U.S. Secretary of Transportation cannot assign additional duties unless authorized by Congress.
- Flexibility in Implementation:
- States can appoint an existing employee to the role.
- Contact information for the coordinator must be posted on the state's department of transportation website.
- Any vacancy in the coordinator position must be filled within 180 days.
- Funding: States may use existing federal funds from specific highway safety programs (sections 133(h) or 148 of title 23, U.S. Code) to cover the coordinator's salary.
- Conforming Change: Removes an outdated paragraph from the existing law to align with the new coordinator requirements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 208 of title 23, United States Code (which governs the Safe Routes to School program), by adding a new subsection (j) that formalizes the coordinator role. It also strikes paragraph (3) of subsection (g) to eliminate redundant or conflicting language, streamlining the program's administration without altering core funding or eligibility rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: State departments of transportation will need to identify or hire coordinators, potentially using existing resources, which could improve efficiency in managing federal grants for school safety projects but may require minor administrative adjustments.
- On Citizens: Families and children could benefit from better-organized programs leading to safer walking and biking routes to schools, potentially reducing traffic risks and promoting healthier lifestyles.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic transportation safety initiative.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State Governments and Departments of Transportation: Responsible for designating and supporting coordinators.
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Likely to interact with coordinators for program implementation, such as planning safe routes.
- Parents, Children, and Communities: Primary beneficiaries through enhanced safety and accessibility for school travel.
- Federal Government (U.S. Department of Transportation): Oversees compliance but with limited authority to expand coordinator duties.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces federal-state partnerships in transportation safety without imposing unfunded mandates, as it allows use of existing funds and staff; the 180-day vacancy fill requirement ensures continuity.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate highways and safety, while respecting state autonomy by permitting flexible implementation.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan support for child safety (introduced by Senators from both parties), potentially encouraging states to prioritize pedestrian infrastructure in urban planning, though it may face minimal controversy due to its low-cost, targeted nature.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Committee on Environment and Public Works Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Hearings held.
- 2025-05-21: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-05-21: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Safe Routes Improvement Act — issued 2025-05-21 — PDF (3 pages)