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.
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate ActThis bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate to work directly with victims and survivors of road crashes and their families (i.e., stakeholders).Specifically, the purposes of the advocate are to (1) document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to DOT on the needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and accomplishments of DOT's roadway safety programs and activities; and (2) serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders on relevant roadway safety issues.The bill specifies that the advocate position must be filled by a career appointment.The bill prohibits the advocate from taking certain actions, such ascreating or authorizing DOT policies, priorities, or activities; ordisclosing or discussing any enforcement matters that are under investigation or in litigation.The advocate must submit an annual report to DOT highlighting systemic issues relating to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders. The report must include recommendations on how to remedy the issues.
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate ActThis bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate to work directly with victims and survivors of road crashes or their families (i.e., stakeholders).Specifically, the purposes of the advocate are to (1) document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to DOT on the needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and accomplishments of DOT's roadway safety programs and activities; and (2) serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders on relevant roadway safety issues.The bill specifies that the advocate position must be filled by a career appointment.The bill prohibits the advocate from taking certain actions, such ascreating or authorizing DOT policies, priorities, or activities; ordisclosing or discussing any enforcement matters that are under investigation or in litigation.The advocate must submit an annual report to DOT highlighting systemic issues relating to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders. The report must include recommendations on how to remedy the issues.
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate ActThis bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate to work directly with victims and survivors of road crashes and their families (i.e., stakeholders).Specifically, the purposes of the advocate are to (1) document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to DOT on the needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and accomplishments of DOT's roadway safety programs and activities; and (2) serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders on relevant roadway safety issues.The bill specifies that the advocate position must be filled by a career appointment.The bill prohibits the advocate from taking certain actions, such ascreating or authorizing DOT policies, priorities, or activities; ordisclosing or discussing any enforcement matters that are under investigation or in litigation.The advocate must submit an annual report to DOT highlighting systemic issues relating to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders. The report must include recommendations on how to remedy the issues.