Bills · S 415
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 415Transportation and Public Works
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
INTRO FEB 5· LAST ACTION FEB 5
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to give a direct and consistent voice to people who have suffered the most from road crashes. Currently, individuals and families affected by these tragedies might struggle to navigate government bureaucracy or feel their experiences aren't fully considered in policy-making. By creating a dedicated advocate, the bill seeks to bridge that gap, ensuring that real-world impacts and personal perspectives inform how the Department of Transportation approaches road safety.
If this bill becomes law, the DOT will have a formal mechanism to receive direct input from a crucial stakeholder group, potentially leading to more effective and empathetic road safety strategies. If it doesn't become law, the opportunity for this specific, dedicated channel of communication and advocacy within the DOT would not exist, leaving victims and survivors to rely on existing, less specialized avenues for their input.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate within the Department of Transportation.
This creates a new, dedicated role focused specifically on connecting crash victims and their families with government road safety efforts.
PROVISION 02
Defines "stakeholder" broadly to include victims, survivors, and family members of road crashes, not limited to immediate family.
This ensures a wide range of individuals directly impacted by crashes can be represented and have their voices heard.
PROVISION 03
Charges the advocate with documenting and communicating stakeholder recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation and serving as a resource on roadway safety issues.
This ensures that personal experiences and feedback from those most affected by crashes are systematically brought to the attention of top decision-makers.
PROVISION 04
Grants the advocate authority to explain Department processes in plain language, gather feedback, publish educational materials, and consult on advisory committee appointments.
These powers enable the advocate to effectively educate stakeholders and facilitate their engagement with the Department without making policy decisions.
PROVISION 05
Requires the advocate to submit annual reports to the Secretary highlighting systemic road safety issues based on stakeholder input and recommending solutions.
This ensures regular and structured feedback from affected individuals is formally presented to the Department's leadership.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· New Mexico
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
86
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 5
Introduced in Senate
FEB 5
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 415
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 5, 2025
Last actionFeb 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2025
Senate BillS 415Transportation and Public Works
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
