Bill · H.R. 9317· House(119-HR-9317)
BUSES Act
- Introduced
- 6/15/2026
- Last activity
- 7/14/2026 — Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- Nicholas Langworthy
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Buses Utilizing Safety and Environmental Standards Act or the BUSES Act. It stops States and local governments from enforcing engine idling restrictions on over-the-road buses and school buses if the engine idles for less than 15 minutes. It also stops people from starting civil lawsuits against bus owners or operators for these specific idling violations. Additionally, the bill prohibits programs that pay private individuals money for reporting or enforcing bus idling violations. Any bounty-based enforcement programs currently in effect must be ended within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
Preempts state and local governments from enforcing certain engine idling rules.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+2
Protects bus operators and companies from certain civil lawsuits and penalties related to short-term engine idling.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+2
Prevents restrictive local idling policies that affect school buses and over-the-road bus operations.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-3
Limits the authority of states and local subdivisions to set and enforce short-term bus idling regulations.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-2
Restricts states from enforcing engine idling rules for buses under 15 minutes, potentially leading to increased emissions.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-2
Weakens state-level clean air implementation plans regarding short-term bus idling restrictions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection from Lawsuits: Section 2(b) stops any person from starting a civil action against an owner or operator of an over-the-road bus or school bus for alleged violations of engine idling restrictions under 15 minutes, which protects these operators from legal trouble.
-
Ending Cash Reward Programs: Section 2(b) stops States and local governments from having programs that give money to private individuals for reporting or enforcing bus idling violations, and shuts down any current programs within 180 days, which prevents citizen bounty programs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not contain any explicit details regarding negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+2Improves Environmental Protections-2Reduces Carbon Emissions-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Urban Residents-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Increase States Rights-3
- 8/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 6/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Glenn ThompsonRepublican · Pennsylvania