Transportation Equity Act

To re-establish an advisory committee to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation regarding comprehensive, interdisciplinary issues related 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. Establishment of transportation equity advisory committee (a) Establishment Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the Transportation Equity Committee (referred to in this Act as the Committee (b) Purpose of the advisory committee The Committee established under subsection (a) shall provide independent advice and recommendations to the Secretary on transportation equity, including developing a strategic plan with recommendations to the Secretary on national transportation metrics and the effect on such factors as economic development, connectivity, and public engagement. (c) Duties The Committee shall evaluate the Department's work in connecting people to economic and related forms of opportunity and revitalize communities in carrying out its strategic, research, technological, regulatory, community engagement, and economic policy activities related to transportation and opportunity. Decisions directly affecting implementation of transportation policy remain with the Secretary. (d) Membership (1) In general The Secretary shall appoint an odd number of members of not less than 9 but not more than 15 members (with a quorum consisting of a majority of members rounded up to the nearest odd number), to include balanced representation from academia, community groups, industry and business, non-governmental organizations, State and local governments, federally recognized Tribal Governments, advocacy organizations, and indigenous groups with varying points of view. (2) Broad representation To the extent practicable, members of the Committee shall reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences, geographic diversity, including urban, rural, tribal, territories, and underserved and marginalized communities throughout the country, and individuals with expertise in related areas such as housing, health care, and the environment. (3) Replacement for non-active members The Secretary may remove a non-active member who misses 3 consecutive meetings and appoint a replacement to service for the period of time set forth in subsection (f). (e) Meetings The Committee shall meet not less than 2 times each year with not more than 9 months between meetings at a reasonable time, in a place accessible to the public, and in a room large enough to accommodate the Committee members, staff, and reasonable number of interested members of the public. The room in which the Committee meets shall be large enough to accommodate at least 100 and shall be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. (f) Term Each member of the Committee shall serve a 2-year term with not more than 2 consecutive term reappointments, but may continue service until a replacement is appointed. (g) Support The Office of the Under Secretary for Policy of the Department of the Department of Transportation shall provide necessary funding, logistics, and administrative support for the Committee. (h) Application of FACA The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app.) shall apply, except section 14, to the Committee established under this section. 3. Designated federal officer (a) In general The Secretary of Transportation shall appoint a full-time Federal employee to serve as the coordinator of the Committee on Transportation Equity and act as the Designated Federal Officer for the Transportation Equity Committee. The designated Federal officer shall ensure that administrative support is provided for the Committee. (b) Responsibilities The Designated Federal Officer shall— (1) call meetings of the Committee, and any subcommittees that the Committee designates, after consultation with the Chair; (2) formulate and approve an agenda, in consultation with the Chair, for each meeting; (3) notify all Committee members of the time, place, and agenda for any meeting; (4) provide administrative support for all meetings of the Committee; (5) attend each Committee and subcommittee meeting; (6) maintain all Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity files and records, including minutes from each meeting; (7) adjourn any meeting when it is determined to be in the public interest and chair meetings when directed to do so by the Secretary; (8) make available to the public meeting notes and information; and (9) publish notice of any meeting of the Committee in the Federal Register at least 15 days before such meeting.

Summary: Transportation Equity Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reestablish the Transportation Equity Committee. The committee must provide independent advice and recommendations to DOT on transportation equity issues. The committee must also evaluate the work of DOT in connecting people to economic and related forms of opportunity and carrying out its strategic, research, technological, regulatory, community engagement, and economic policy activities related to transportation and opportunity. In addition, DOT must appoint a full-time federal employee to serve as coordinator and act as the designated federal officer for the committee.