H.R.3648 - Transit Captions Innovations Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3648, the Transit Captions Innovations Act, directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for innovative real-time transcription and translation technology. The goal is to improve the transit rider experience for deaf, hard of hearing, and limited English proficient individuals. The bill amends Section 5312 of title 49, United States Code, to include the deployment of real-time transcription and translation technology as an eligible project.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely lead to increased accessibility in public transportation for individuals with hearing impairments or limited English proficiency. It will also allocate specific funding for these projects. The bill authorizes appropriations of $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, increasing to $4,415,251 for fiscal year 2031, to carry out these projects under section 5312(e)(3)(D).
Potential Benefits
- Improved accessibility to public transportation for deaf, hard of hearing, and limited English proficient individuals.
- Potential for increased ridership due to improved accessibility.
- Stimulation of innovation in real-time transcription and translation technology.
- Job creation in the technology development and deployment sectors.
- Enhanced social inclusion and equity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for cost overruns in technology development and deployment.
- Risk of technology failing to meet the needs of all users.
- Possible delays in implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
- Limited funding may not be sufficient to address all needs.
- The focus on specific technologies might neglect other accessibility solutions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency by making public transportation more accessible. Specifically, the bill falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) as it pertains to transportation systems. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).