Bill · S. 415· Senate(119-S-415)
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
- Introduced
- 2/5/2025
- Last activity
- 2/5/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Ben Luján
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act," seeks to create a new position within the Department of Transportation called the National Roadway Safety Advocate. The position will be a career appointment located within the Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy. The Advocate is tasked with documenting and communicating recommendations from stakeholders to the Secretary regarding roadway safety programs. Additionally, the Advocate will act as a point of contact and resource for stakeholders. The role includes powers to educate stakeholders and provide them with ways to share their perspectives. Finally, the Advocate must submit an annual report highlighting systemic roadway safety issues and potential remedies.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates an annual report to highlight systemic safety issues and provides a mechanism for stakeholder engagement.
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?+3
The bill establishes a position to identify and recommend remedies for systemic roadway safety issues.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+2
The bill requires educational materials to be published in accessible formats.
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 and Education: The Advocate can provide education on Department activities and explain complex processes, scientific principles, and technical information in plain language to stakeholders (Section 2(d)(1)(A)-(B)).
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Direct Voice for Victims and Families: The Advocate provides a means for stakeholders—defined as victims, survivors, or their family members—to provide their perspectives on roadway safety issues to the Department (Section 2(d)(1)(A)-(B); Section 2(a)(3)).
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Enhanced Engagement: The Advocate is authorized to build relationships with individual stakeholders through consistent outreach and dialogue to enhance engagement with the Department's mission (Section 2(d)(1)(E)).
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Accessible Information: The Advocate can publish educational materials regarding Department activities in accessible formats and multiple languages to ensure better understanding (Section 2(d)(1)(F)).
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Addressing Systemic Issues: Through an annual report, the Advocate will highlight systemic roadway safety issues and recommend ways to remedy them (Section 2(h)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Lack of Legal Authority: The Advocate is prohibited from providing legal notice, counsel, or determinations of any kind (Section 2(d)(2)(A)).
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No Decision-Making Power: The Advocate cannot make Department decisions or create/authorize Department policies, priorities, or activities (Section 2(d)(2)(C)-(D)).
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No Regulatory Interference: The position is restricted from modifying or interfering with any laws, regulations, or procedures followed or enforced by the Department (Section 2(d)(2)(E)).
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Information Restrictions: The Advocate is prohibited from discussing enforcement matters that are under investigation or litigation, or discussing human resource matters with individuals outside of the Department (Section 2(d)(2)(G)-(H)).
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+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 2/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
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.