Bill · H.R. 851· House(119-HR-851)
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
- Introduced
- 1/31/2025
- Last activity
- 2/1/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Sponsored by
- Steve Cohen
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act," proposes the creation of a National Roadway Safety Advocate position within the Department of Transportation. The advocate is intended to serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders, which includes victims, survivors, and their family members of road crashes. This career position will operate within the Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy. The advocate's duties include documenting stakeholder needs and communicating those perspectives to the Secretary. Additionally, the role involves providing education and explaining Department processes in plain language.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill enhances transparency by requiring an annual report on systemic roadway safety issues and providing stakeholders with educational materials regarding Department processes.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+1
Increased stakeholder engagement for road crash victims can improve safety outcomes in highly populated areas.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+1
The advocate provides a voice for all road crash victims, including those in rural areas where roadway safety issues may be distinct.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Communication for Victims: The advocate can explain Department processes, procedures, and technical information to victims of roadway safety incidents using plain language (Section 2(d)(1)(B)).
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Increased Stakeholder Engagement: The position is designed to serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders, including victims, survivors, and their families (Section 2(c)(2)).
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Enhanced Education and Accessibility: The advocate is authorized to publish educational materials in multiple languages using clear and easy-to-understand wording to help stakeholders understand Department activities (Section 2(d)(1)(F)).
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Direct Input into Departmental Safety: The advocate will document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to the Secretary regarding the needs, objectives, and accomplishments of roadway safety programs (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Systemic Issue Identification: The advocate is required to submit an annual report that highlights systemic issues related to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders and offers recommendations to remedy them (Section 2(h)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Lack of Legal or Decision-Making Power: While the advocate can provide information, they are strictly prohibited from providing legal counsel or making any Department decisions (Section 2(d)(2)(A)-(C)).
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Restrictions on Information Sharing: The advocate cannot disclose or discuss enforcement matters that are currently under investigation or in litigation (Section 2(d)(2)(G)).
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Limitations on Policy Influence: The advocate is not permitted to create or authorize Department policies, priorities, or activities (Section 2(d)(2)(D)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+1
- 2/1/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 1/31/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.