H.R.3931 - Kids on the Go Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3931, the "Kids on the Go Act of 2025," proposes an amendment to Title 23 of the United States Code. The bill aims to reduce the Federal share of project costs for states that employ a safe routes to school coordinator. This reduction would incentivize states to prioritize and invest in safe routes to school programs.
The bill specifies that if a state employs a coordinator for safe routes to school, the Federal share for eligible projects or activities under Section 208 of Title 23 would increase to 95 percent. This adjustment in funding aims to encourage states to enhance the safety and accessibility of routes for children traveling to and from school.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for further consideration.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to incentivize states to hire safe routes to school coordinators. This would likely lead to increased investment in infrastructure and programs designed to improve the safety of children walking or biking to school. Ultimately, this could result in safer routes, reduced traffic congestion around schools, and improved public health outcomes for children.
States that prioritize safe routes to school would receive a higher percentage of federal funding for related projects. This could free up state funds for other transportation or educational initiatives. The increased federal share could also encourage more ambitious and comprehensive safe routes to school projects.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Safety for Children: The primary benefit is enhanced safety for children walking or biking to school.
- Increased State Investment: Incentivizes states to prioritize safe routes to school programs.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Could lead to less traffic around schools, improving air quality.
- Healthier Lifestyles: Encourages physical activity among children.
- Community Development: Can lead to improvements in local infrastructure and community engagement.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Federal Spending: The increased federal share could lead to higher overall federal expenditures.
- State Dependency: States might become overly reliant on federal funding for these projects.
- Administrative Burden: Hiring and managing a safe routes to school coordinator could create additional administrative overhead for states.
- Uneven Implementation: The effectiveness of the program may vary depending on the coordinator's skills and resources.
- Potential for Misallocation of Funds: There is a risk that funds could be diverted from other important transportation projects.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. By promoting safe routes to school, the bill can be argued to contribute to the well-being of children and communities.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. It falls within the scope of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce and provide funding for infrastructure projects.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. While the federal government can incentivize states through funding mechanisms, it cannot compel them to implement specific policies. The bill respects this principle by offering a reduced federal share as an incentive, rather than mandating the employment of a coordinator.
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).