S.1828 - Safe Routes Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1828, the Safe Routes Improvement Act, aims to amend Title 23 of the United States Code to require each state to designate a coordinator for the Safe Routes to School program. This coordinator would serve as the primary point of contact for the program within the state. The bill also allows states to use existing federal transportation funds for the coordinator's salary.
Expected Effects
The bill's primary effect would be to formalize and centralize the administration of the Safe Routes to School program at the state level. This could lead to improved coordination and potentially more effective implementation of safe routes initiatives. It also clarifies that the Secretary cannot add additional duties to the coordinator beyond those authorized by Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Improved coordination of Safe Routes to School programs within each state.
- Enhanced communication and information dissemination regarding safe routes initiatives.
- Potential for more efficient use of existing federal transportation funds.
- Increased focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety for students.
- Standardized point of contact for stakeholders interested in the Safe Routes to School program.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on state departments of transportation.
- Possible lack of dedicated funding for the coordinator position in some states, potentially straining existing resources.
- Risk of the coordinator role becoming a formality without sufficient authority or resources.
- Limited scope of the bill, focusing solely on administrative structure rather than program content or funding levels.
- May not address the underlying issues contributing to unsafe routes to school, such as traffic volume or infrastructure deficiencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare. The establishment of safe routes to school can be argued to fall under the purview of transportation infrastructure, which affects interstate commerce. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).