Bill · H.R. 8128· House(119-HR-8128)
Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/27/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Sponsored by
- Lateefah Simon
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act and was introduced to improve transportation options for individuals with disabilities. It aims to deploy more same-day paratransit services and establish minimum standards for paratransit technology. The bill updates several sections of title 49 in the United States Code concerning grants for capital projects and operating assistance. It increases federal funding percentages for projects that provide same-day paratransit service, especially when using vehicles operated exclusively by personnel employed by the recipient. Additionally, the legislation requires the Administrator to issue minimum standards for paratransit software and technologies within one year of enactment.
Yes· 3 of 37
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+9
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+8
Directly modernizes and funds same-space paratransit services across urban and rural areas.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+8
Significantly improves transit access, mobility, and digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
Increases federal matching grant percentages for capital and operating assistance projects.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Funding for Capital Projects: Section 3 amends sections 5310, 5307, and 5311 of title 49 to state that grants for capital projects directly related to same-day paratransit services shall be equal to 90 percent of the net capital costs. This is a positive outcome because it provides strong financial backing to help transit agencies build out and improve same-day services for individuals with disabilities.
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Higher Operating Assistance for Compliant Services: Section 3 also increases federal operating assistance up to 70 percent for projects providing same-day paratransit service in compliance with minimum standards, and up to 80 percent if those vehicles are operated exclusively by personnel employed by the recipient. This provision benefits workers by encouraging direct employment and helps transit agencies keep services running for riders.
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Technology and Accessibility Standards: Section 4 requires the Administrator to issue minimum software and technology standards within one year, which includes accessibility compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and data storage on cloud infrastructure located in the United States. This benefits riders by ensuring that digital booking interfaces and mobile applications are truly accessible and secure.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restriction on Grant Funds for Non-Compliant Software: Section 4 establishes that beginning no later than one year after final minimum standards are published, no funds awarded under sections 5307 or 5310 shall be used to acquire or utilize third-party software that does not meet the new standards, with a two-year limit applied to section 5311 funds. While intended to enforce quality, this could potentially create a burden or disruption for transit agencies and providers currently using software that fails to meet the upcoming federal rules.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+9Good For Seniors+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Retirees+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Union Workers+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Veterans+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For African Americans+1Good For Business Owners+1Good For Children+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Native Americans+1Good For Students+1Good For Women+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+8Improves Rural Development+2Reduces Carbon Emissions+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+8Improves Poverty Reduction+1Improves Voting Access+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Small Business Support+1Improves Union Protections+1Reduces Government Spending-1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+2Improves Internet Access+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1Improves Privacy Rights+1Increases Federal Power+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+2Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- 8/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/2/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/27/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 3/26/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
Timothy KennedyDemocrat · New York
George LatimerDemocrat · New York
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York