Us Congress House Bill HB7191

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

Save Our Pedestrians Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, HB7191 would amend title 23 of the United States Code, particularly section 148, which pertains to federal aid for highway safety. The bill emphasizes the necessity for states to work collaboratively with local governments to define what constitutes a 'high-risk pedestrian crossing', promoting localized identification of dangerous areas that need intervention. The allocation of funds for safety improvements would likely lead to enhanced crosswalk visibility, installation of pedestrian signals, and other infrastructure upgrades aimed at reducing pedestrian accidents.

Summary

House Bill 7191, known as the 'Save Our Pedestrians Act of 2024', is proposed legislation aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety across the United States. The bill mandates that states allocate a specific percentage of their highway funds to safety improvement projects at identified high-risk pedestrian crossings. By requiring states to set aside 5% of designated funds, the legislation seeks to address the alarming number of injuries and fatalities occurring at these crossings, making pedestrian safety a priority within transportation planning.

Contention

Discussions around HB7191 highlight a potential debate over the allocation of transportation funds and the specifics of how high-risk crossings are identified. Proponents argue that the requirement for states to dedicate funds to pedestrian safety is a necessary step towards reducing fatalities and injuries, citing the increasing danger pedestrians face. However, some critics may express concern about the unfunded mandates placed on state budgets or the potential for misallocation of resources if local governments do not collaborate effectively in identifying high-risk sites. Clarity in definitions and the execution of funded projects will be key points of contention as the bill progresses.