Bills · HR 851
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 851Transportation and Public Works
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION FEB 1
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to ensure that the voices and experiences of people directly affected by road crashes are heard at the highest levels of the Department of Transportation. Currently, victims and survivors might find it difficult to navigate government bureaucracy or feel that their specific needs are not fully understood or addressed in policy decisions. If this bill becomes law, it would create a dedicated position to bridge that gap, potentially leading to more compassionate and effective roadway safety initiatives.
If the bill doesn't pass, there would be no formal, dedicated advocate within the DOT focused solely on representing crash victims and survivors. This means that direct input from these stakeholders might continue to be less centralized or systematic, potentially slowing down the process of identifying and addressing critical safety issues from a victim's perspective. It offers a structured way to incorporate human experience into policy-making for a critical public safety issue.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate within the Department of Transportation (DOT) within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
This creates a new, dedicated role specifically focused on road crash victims and survivors within a federal agency responsible for transportation safety.
PROVISION 02
Defines "stakeholder" to include victims and survivors of road crashes and their family members, broadly encompassing a wide range of relatives.
This ensures a clear and inclusive scope for who the Advocate serves and represents.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the Advocate to document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to the Secretary of Transportation and to serve as a resource for them.
This gives a formal mechanism for victims and survivors to provide direct input to influence roadway safety policies.
PROVISION 04
Requires the National Roadway Safety Advocate to submit an annual report to the Secretary highlighting systemic roadway safety issues and recommending solutions.
This ensures consistent oversight and a formal record of concerns and proposed improvements from the perspective of crash victims.
PROVISION 05
Specifies limitations on the Advocate's authority, such as not providing legal advice, setting deadlines, or creating Department policies.
These limitations clarify the scope of the Advocate's role, preventing overreach while focusing on advocacy and communication.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· Tennessee
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
57
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSFEB 1
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
JAN 31
Introduced in House
JAN 31
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 851
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Last actionFeb 1, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025
House BillHR 851Transportation and Public Works
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 1, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
