STAR Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4354
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-21: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-14T16:04:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 4354 - Saving Transit Art Resources Act (STAR Act)
Purpose
The bill aims to allow federal transit funds to cover the extra costs (called "incremental costs") of adding art to public transit facilities, such as bus or rail stations, by removing certain restrictions in existing law.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: Officially named the "Saving Transit Art Resources Act" or "STAR Act."
- Amendment to Section 5323(h) of Title 49, U.S. Code (federal transportation laws):
- Adds "or" to end of paragraph (1).
- Deletes paragraph (2).
- Renumbers paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
- Amendment to Section 5309 of Title 49, U.S. Code (rules for major federal transit grants):
- Deletes subsection (p), which was a special rule limiting art funding.
- Renumbers subsections (q) and (r) as (p) and (q).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Removes prohibitions or limits in Section 5323(h) that previously blocked federal transit funds from being used for artwork like sculptures or paintings in facilities.
- Eliminates a specific exception or rule in Section 5309(p) that restricted art-related spending in major transit projects.
- These changes broaden flexibility for using federal dollars on art without needing special approvals or workarounds.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Transit agencies (like those running buses, subways, or light rail) can now more easily include art in new or upgraded facilities using federal grants, potentially speeding up projects and enhancing public spaces.
- Citizens: Riders and communities may see more artistic, culturally enriched transit hubs, improving the aesthetic and community value of public infrastructure.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders
- Transit Agencies and Local Governments: Primary beneficiaries, gaining funding flexibility for art in projects.
- Artists and Cultural Organizations: Increased opportunities for commissions in public transit spaces.
- Federal Government (e.g., Department of Transportation): Simplified grant administration without art-related restrictions.
- Taxpayers: Potential for federal funds to support non-essential art, which could spark debate on spending priorities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Streamlines federal transit funding rules under Title 49, U.S. Code, without creating new mandates or penalties; purely permissive change.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves spending discretion under Congress's spending power.
- Political: Could face criticism for diverting transit funds from core infrastructure to art, but supports cultural enhancement in public works; introduced by Sens. Hirono and Reed, referred to Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (as of April 21, 2026).
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
- 2026-04-21: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-04-21: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Saving Transit Art Resources Act — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (2 pages)