Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act
- Bill Number
- S. 944
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T20:12:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act aims to improve highway safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users (people who travel by foot, bike, or other non-motorized means) by expanding the types of projects eligible for federal funding under the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). It focuses on connecting existing infrastructure and reducing safety risks, while increasing federal financial support to encourage states and local governments to prioritize these efforts.
Key Provisions
- Expanded Eligible Projects: Adds two new types of projects to the HSIP definition:
- Connecting two or more segments of existing bike or pedestrian paths or facilities.
- Reducing safety risks to vulnerable road users through strategies outlined in state or local safety programs.
- Increased Federal Funding Share:
- Allows up to 100% federal funding for the new project types when using funds apportioned to states for HSIP.
- Permits flexible calculation of the non-federal (state or local) share on a project, multiple-project, or program basis, with up to 100% federal coverage for individual projects.
- Use of HSIP Funds for Matching: HSIP funds can count toward the non-federal share of certain projects if they include "Proven Safety Countermeasures" (effective, evidence-based safety measures approved by the Federal Highway Administration) for bicyclists or pedestrians, emphasize vulnerable users in state safety plans, or address high-risk areas identified in various local or regional safety plans.
- Recognized Safety Plans: Includes a broad list of plans that qualify for funding flexibility, such as pedestrian/bike safety plans, Complete Streets plans (designs that accommodate all users), Vision Zero Action Plans (aimed at eliminating traffic deaths), ADA Transition Plans (for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act), Tribal transportation safety plans, and comprehensive safety action plans.
- Higher Federal Share for Specific Measures: Adds Proven Safety Countermeasures for bicyclists and pedestrians to the list of projects eligible for an increased federal funding share (up to 100%) under general highway funding rules.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Broadens HSIP Scope: Previously, HSIP projects focused on a fixed list of safety improvements (e.g., signage, barriers). This bill adds explicit support for connecting fragmented bike/pedestrian infrastructure and risk-reduction strategies tied to planning programs, making the program more inclusive of active transportation.
- Enhances Funding Flexibility: Alters federal share rules in sections 148(j), 133(h)(7), and 120(c)(1) of title 23, U.S. Code, to allow full federal funding and creative matching for bike/pedestrian safety projects—changes not previously available. It also expands what counts as a non-federal match, reducing financial barriers for states and localities.
- Integrates Local Planning: Ties funding to a wider array of safety plans developed by local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs, regional transport coordinators), or Tribes, shifting from a purely state-driven approach.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: States, MPOs, local governments, and Tribal entities gain easier access to federal funds, potentially speeding up safety projects without needing as much local matching money. The Federal Highway Administration will need to identify and approve "Proven Safety Countermeasures," increasing its oversight role.
- On Citizens: Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities, benefit from safer, more connected infrastructure, which could lower traffic injury and fatality rates. Urban and rural communities may see improved walkability and bike-friendliness.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as this is a domestic transportation funding bill, though it aligns with global trends toward sustainable, equitable mobility.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, bicyclists, and others at higher risk in traffic, who gain from targeted safety enhancements.
- State and Local Governments: Primary recipients of HSIP funds; they can now pursue more ambitious projects with less financial burden.
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Planners: Involved in identifying high-risk areas and developing qualifying safety plans.
- Tribal Governments: Benefit from inclusion of Tribal safety plans, addressing unique rural and reservation needs.
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): Responsible for determining eligible countermeasures and overseeing fund use.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on active transportation, disability rights, and road safety may see expanded opportunities for influence.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens integration of federal funding with local planning under title 23, U.S. Code, without altering core HSIP requirements. It promotes compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by recognizing ADA plans, potentially reducing future litigation over accessibility. No conflicts with existing law, but it may require FHWA to issue guidance on "Proven Safety Countermeasures."
- Constitutional: Supports equal protection and due process by prioritizing safety for historically underserved groups (e.g., pedestrians in low-income areas), aligning with broader federal equity goals in transportation. No apparent First Amendment or property rights issues.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from senators across parties) signals broad support for pedestrian and bike safety amid rising concerns over traffic deaths. It could influence future infrastructure bills by emphasizing "complete streets" and Vision Zero approaches, potentially shifting political debates toward non-motorized transport equity versus car-centric infrastructure.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-03-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (6 pages)