Transportation Equity Act

To establish an advisory committee to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation regarding comprehensive, interdisciplinary issues relating to transportation from a variety of stakeholders in transportation planning, design, research, policy, and advocacy, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Transportation Equity Act 2. Transportation Equity Committee (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Committee The term Committee (2) Secretary The term Secretary (b) Establishment Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the Transportation Equity Committee, to study and provide advice on comprehensive and interdisciplinary issues relating to transportation equity from a variety of stakeholders in transportation planning, design, research, policy, and advocacy. (c) Purpose of Committee The Committee shall provide independent advice and recommendations to the Secretary on transportation equity, including by developing a strategic plan that includes recommendations to the Secretary on national transportation metrics and the effect of transportation equity on such factors as economic development, connectivity, accessibility, and public engagement. (d) Duties The Committee shall evaluate the work of the Department of Transportation in— (1) connecting people to economic and related forms of opportunity; (2) revitalizing communities in carrying out strategic, research, technological, regulatory, community engagement, and economic policy activities relating to transportation and opportunity; and (3) ensuring equal access to transportation for all residents, including those with disabilities and older adults. (e) Membership (1) In general The Secretary shall appoint an odd number of not less than 9 but not more than 15 members to the Committee, which shall include balanced representation with varying points of view from academia, community groups, industry and business, nongovernmental organizations, State and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, advocacy organizations, and indigenous groups. (2) Broad representation To the extent practicable, members of the Committee shall reflect— (A) a variety of backgrounds and experiences; (B) geographic diversity, including urban, rural, Tribal, territorial, and underserved and marginalized communities throughout the United States; and (C) individuals with expertise in related areas such as housing, health care, disability access, and the environment. (3) Replacement for inactive members If a member misses 3 consecutive meetings, the Secretary may— (A) remove the member; and (B) appoint a replacement to serve for the remainder of the term as provided under subsection (i). (f) Designated Federal officer (1) In general The Secretary shall appoint a full-time Federal employee as the Designated Federal Officer for the Committee, who shall— (A) serve as the coordinator of the Committee; and (B) ensure that administrative support is provided for the Committee, including by carrying out the responsibilities described in paragraph (2). (2) Responsibilities The Designated Federal Officer shall— (A) call meetings of the Committee, and any subcommittees that the Committee designates, after consultation with the Chair; (B) formulate and approve an agenda, in consultation with the Chair, for each meeting; (C) notify all Committee members of the time, place, and agenda for any meeting; (D) provide administrative support for all meetings of the Committee; (E) attend each Committee and subcommittee meeting; (F) maintain all Committee files and records, including minutes from each meeting; (G) adjourn any meeting when it is determined to be in the public interest; (H) serve as the chair at a meeting, if directed to do so by the Secretary; (I) make available to the public meeting notes and information; and (J) publish in the Federal Register notice of any meeting of the Committee not less than 15 days before the meeting. (g) Meetings (1) In general The Committee shall meet not less than 2 times each year, with not more than 9 months between meetings. (2) Time and place Meetings of the Committee shall be— (A) at a reasonable time; (B) in a place accessible to the public; (C) in a room— (i) large enough to accommodate at least 100 people, including the Committee members, staff, and a reasonable number of interested members of the public; and (ii) that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. (D) in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 (h) Quorum A quorum shall be a majority of the members of the Committee, rounded up to the nearest odd number. (i) Term (1) In general Each member of the Committee shall serve a 2-year term with not more than 2 consecutive term reappointments. (2) Delayed replacements Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a member may continue service until a replacement member is appointed. (j) Support The Office of the Under Secretary for Policy of the Department of Transportation shall provide necessary funding, logistics, and administrative support for the Committee. (k) Application of FACA Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Committee.

Summary: Transportation Equity Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reestablish the Transportation Equity Committee. The committee must study, advise DOT about, and develop a strategic plan concerning transportation equity issues. The committee must also evaluate the work of DOT in connecting people to economic and related forms of opportunity; revitalizing communities through strategic, research, technological, regulatory, community engagement, and economic policy activities related to transportation and opportunity; and ensuring equal access to transportation for all residents. In addition, DOT must appoint a full-time federal employee to serve as coordinator and act as the designated federal officer for the committee.