Us Congress House Bill HB8349

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/10/24
• Refer: 5/10/24
• Refer: 5/13/24

Caption

DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

Impact

If enacted, this bill will potentially enhance the responsiveness of the Department of Transportation to stakeholder concerns regarding roadway safety. By providing a dedicated role focused on advocacy for victims and their families, the measure aims to ensure that the voices of those most affected by transportation issues are heard and prioritized in policy decisions. This initiative may lead to increased awareness and potential policy changes that could improve overall roadway safety standards across the nation.

Summary

House Bill 8349, known as the DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act, seeks to establish a new position within the Department of Transportation. The proposed role, termed the National Roadway Safety Advocate, aims to serve as a liaison between the department and individuals affected by roadway incidents, including victims, survivors, and their families. The Advocate will document stakeholder recommendations, provide education on Department activities, and highlight roadway safety issues to the Secretary of Transportation, emphasizing the importance of feedback from those directly impacted by road safety incidents.

Contention

While the bill has been introduced with the intention of improving roadway safety and offering a voice to victims, it may also spark debates over the effectiveness of such advocacy positions within established governmental structures. Some may argue that a single advocate may not be sufficient to tackle complex roadway safety issues, while others may express concerns about the resources allocated to this position. Additionally, the limitations placed on the Advocate, such as not being able to provide legal advice or directly influence Department policy, could lead to discussions about the effectiveness and authority of the proposed role.