I 
116TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 5139 
To protect transportation personnel and passengers from sexual assault and 
harassment, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NOVEMBER 18, 2019 
Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. 
ESPAILLAT, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mr. PAPPAS, Ms. NORTON, 
Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY 
of New York, Ms. TITUS, Mr. SIRES, Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. 
CARBAJAL, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. MALINOWSKI, Mr. LYNCH, 
and Mrs. FLETCHER) introduced the following bill; which was referred to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to 
the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently deter-
mined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions 
as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To protect transportation personnel and passengers from 
sexual assault and harassment, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Stop Sexual Assault 
and Harassment in Transportation Act’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
SEC. 2. FORMAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT POLI-
CIES ON AIR CARRIERS AND FOREIGN AIR 
CARRIERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 417 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 41727. Formal sexual assault and harassment poli-
cies 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, each air carrier and 
foreign air carrier transporting passengers for compensa-
tion shall issue, in consultation with labor unions rep-
resenting personnel of the air carrier or foreign air carrier, 
a formal policy with respect to transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incidents. 
‘‘(b) CONTENTS.—The policy required under sub-
section (a) shall include— 
‘‘(1) a statement indicating that no transpor-
tation sexual assault or harassment incident is ac-
ceptable under any circumstance; 
‘‘(2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of 
a transportation sexual assault or harassment inci-
dent, including— 
‘‘(A) appropriate public outreach activities; 
and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(B) confidential phone and internet-based 
opportunities for reporting; 
‘‘(3) procedures that personnel should follow 
upon the reporting of a transportation sexual assault 
or harassment incident, including actions to protect 
affected individuals from continued sexual assault or 
harassment and to notify law enforcement when ap-
propriate; 
‘‘(4) procedures that may limit or prohibit, to 
the extent practicable, future travel with the air car-
rier or foreign air carrier by any passenger who 
causes a transportation sexual assault or harassment 
incident; and 
‘‘(5) training that is required for all appropriate 
personnel with respect to the policy required under 
subsection (a), including— 
‘‘(A) specific training for personnel who 
may receive reports of transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incidents; and 
‘‘(B) recognizing and responding to poten-
tial human trafficking victims, in the same 
manner as required under section 44734(a)(4). 
‘‘(c) PASSENGER INFORMATION.—An air carrier or 
foreign air carrier described in subsection (a) shall promi-
nently display, on the internet website of the air carrier 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
or foreign air carrier and through the use of appropriate 
signage, a written statement that— 
‘‘(1) advises passengers and personnel that the 
carrier has adopted a formal policy with respect to 
transportation sexual assault or harassment inci-
dents; 
‘‘(2) informs passengers and personnel of the 
other major components of the carrier’s formal pol-
icy, including a statement indicating that no trans-
portation sexual assault or harassment incident is 
acceptable under any circumstance; and 
‘‘(3) informs passengers and personnel of the 
procedure for reporting a transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incident. 
‘‘(d) STANDARD OF CARE.—Compliance with the re-
quirements of this section, and any policy issued there-
under, shall not determine whether the air carrier or for-
eign air carrier described in subsection (a) has acted with 
any requisite standard of care. 
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) PERSONNEL.—The term ‘personnel’ means 
an employee or contractor of an air carrier or for-
eign air carrier. 
‘‘(2) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—The term ‘sexual as-
sault’ means the occurrence of an act that con-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
stitutes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by 
Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the vic-
tim lacks capacity to consent. 
‘‘(3) TRANSPORTATION
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
OR 
HARASSMENT INCIDENT.—The term ‘transportation 
sexual assault or harassment incident’ means the oc-
currence, or reasonably suspected occurrence, of an 
act that— 
‘‘(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual 
harassment; and 
‘‘(B) is committed— 
‘‘(i) by a passenger or member of per-
sonnel of an air carrier or foreign air car-
rier against another passenger or member 
of personnel of an air carrier or foreign air 
carrier; and 
‘‘(ii) within an aircraft or in an area 
in which passengers are entering or exiting 
an aircraft.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 417 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘41727. Formal sexual assault and harassment policies.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6211
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
SEC. 3. FORMAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT POLI-
CIES FOR CERTAIN MOTOR CARRIERS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, each covered motor car-
rier shall issue, in consultation with labor unions rep-
resenting personnel of the covered motor carrier, a formal 
policy with respect to transportation sexual assault or har-
assment incidents. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The policy required under sub-
section (a) shall include— 
(1) a statement indicating that no transpor-
tation sexual assault or harassment incident is ac-
ceptable under any circumstance; 
(2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of a 
transportation sexual assault or harassment inci-
dent, including— 
(A) appropriate public outreach activities; 
and 
(B) confidential phone and internet-based 
opportunities for reporting; 
(3) procedures that personnel should follow 
upon the reporting of a transportation sexual assault 
or harassment incident, including actions to protect 
affected individuals from continued sexual assault or 
harassment and to notify law enforcement when ap-
propriate; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(4) procedures that may limit, to the extent 
practicable, future travel with the covered motor car-
rier by any passenger who causes a transportation 
sexual assault or harassment incident; and 
(5) training that is required for all appropriate 
personnel with respect to the policy required under 
subsection (a), including— 
(A) specific training for personnel who 
may receive reports of transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incidents; and 
(B) recognizing and responding to poten-
tial human trafficking victims. 
(c) PASSENGER INFORMATION.—A covered motor 
carrier shall prominently display, on the internet website 
of the covered motor carrier and through the use of appro-
priate signage, a written statement that— 
(1) advises passengers that the covered motor 
carrier has adopted a formal policy with respect to 
transportation sexual assault or harassment inci-
dents; 
(2) informs passengers and personnel of the 
other major components of the covered motor car-
rier’s formal policy, including a statement indicating 
that no transportation sexual assault or harassment 
incident is acceptable under any circumstance; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(3) informs passengers of the procedure for re-
porting a transportation sexual assault or harass-
ment incident. 
(d) STANDARD OF CARE.—Compliance with the re-
quirements of this section, and any policy issued there-
under, shall not determine whether the covered motor car-
rier has acted with any requisite standard of care. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) PERSONNEL.—The term ‘‘personnel’’ means 
an employee or contractor of a covered motor car-
rier. 
(2) COVERED
MOTOR
CARRIER.—The term 
‘‘covered motor carrier’’ means a motor carrier of 
passengers that— 
(A) conducts regularly scheduled intercity 
service; and 
(B) is a Class I carrier (as that term is 
used in section 369.3(a) of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations). 
(3) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—The term ‘‘sexual as-
sault’’ means the occurrence of an act that con-
stitutes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by 
Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the vic-
tim lacks capacity to consent. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(4) TRANSPORTATION
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
OR 
HARASSMENT INCIDENT.—The term ‘‘transportation 
sexual assault or harassment incident’’ means the 
occurrence, or reasonably suspected occurrence, of 
an act that— 
(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual 
harassment; and 
(B) is committed— 
(i) by a passenger or member of per-
sonnel of covered motor carrier against an-
other passenger or member of personnel of 
the covered motor carrier; and 
(ii) within a vehicle of the motor car-
rier or in an area in which passengers are 
entering or exiting such a vehicle. 
SEC. 4. FORMAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT POLI-
CIES ON PASSENGER COMMUTER AND INTER-
CITY RAIL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 241 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 24104. Formal sexual assault and harassment poli-
cies 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, each covered rail 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
entity shall issue, in consultation with labor unions rep-
resenting personnel with respect to the covered rail entity, 
a formal policy with respect to transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incidents. 
‘‘(b) CONTENTS.—The policy required under sub-
section (a) shall include— 
‘‘(1) a statement indicating that no transpor-
tation sexual assault or harassment incident is ac-
ceptable under any circumstance; 
‘‘(2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of 
a transportation sexual assault or harassment inci-
dent, including— 
‘‘(A) appropriate public outreach activities; 
and 
‘‘(B) confidential phone and internet-based 
opportunities for reporting; 
‘‘(3) procedures that personnel should follow 
upon the reporting of a transportation sexual assault 
or harassment incident, including actions to protect 
affected individuals from continued sexual assault or 
harassment and to notify law enforcement when ap-
propriate; 
‘‘(4) procedures that may limit or prohibit, to 
the extent practicable, future travel with the covered 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
rail entity by any passenger who causes a transpor-
tation sexual assault or harassment incident; and 
‘‘(5) training that is required for all appropriate 
personnel with respect to the policy required under 
subsection (a), including— 
‘‘(A) specific training for personnel who 
may receive reports of transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incidents; and 
‘‘(B) recognizing and responding to poten-
tial human trafficking victims. 
‘‘(c) PASSENGER INFORMATION.—A covered rail enti-
ty shall prominently display, on the internet website of the 
entity and through the use of appropriate signage, a writ-
ten statement that— 
‘‘(1) advises passengers and personnel that the 
covered rail entity has adopted a formal policy with 
respect to transportation sexual assault or harass-
ment incidents; 
‘‘(2) informs passengers and personnel of the 
other major components of the covered rail entity’s 
formal policy, including a statement indicating that 
no transportation sexual assault or harassment inci-
dent is acceptable under any circumstance; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) informs passengers and personnel of the 
procedure for reporting a transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incident. 
‘‘(d) STANDARD OF CARE.—Compliance with the re-
quirements of this section, and any policy issued there-
under, shall not determine whether the covered rail entity 
has acted with any requisite standard of care. 
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) COVERED RAIL ENTITY.—The term ‘cov-
ered rail entity’ means an entity providing commuter 
rail passenger transportation or intercity rail pas-
senger transportation. 
‘‘(2) PERSONNEL.—The term ‘personnel’ means 
an employee or contractor of a covered rail entity. 
‘‘(3) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—The term ‘sexual as-
sault’ means the occurrence of an act that con-
stitutes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by 
Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the vic-
tim lacks capacity to consent. 
‘‘(4) TRANSPORTATION
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
OR 
HARASSMENT INCIDENT.—The term ‘transportation 
sexual assault or harassment incident’ means the oc-
currence, or reasonably suspected occurrence, of an 
act that— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual 
harassment; and 
‘‘(B) is committed— 
‘‘(i) by a passenger or member of per-
sonnel of covered rail entity against an-
other passenger or member of personnel of 
the covered rail entity; and 
‘‘(ii) within a vehicle of the covered 
rail entity or in an area in which pas-
sengers are entering or exiting such a vehi-
cle.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 241 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘24104. Formal sexual assault and harassment policies.’’. 
SEC. 5. FORMAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT POLI-
CIES ON TRANSIT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 53 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 5341. Formal sexual assault and harassment poli-
cies 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, each recipient of 
Federal funds under this chapter operating vehicles shall 
issue, in consultation with labor unions representing per-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(5) training that is required for all appropriate 
personnel with respect to the policy required under 
subsection (a), including— 
‘‘(A) specific training for personnel who 
may receive reports of transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incidents; and 
‘‘(B) recognizing and responding to poten-
tial human trafficking victims. 
‘‘(c) PASSENGER INFORMATION.—A recipient entity 
shall prominently display, on the internet website of the 
entity and through the use of appropriate signage, a writ-
ten statement that— 
‘‘(1) advises passengers and personnel that the 
recipient entity has adopted a formal policy with re-
spect to transportation sexual assault or harassment 
incidents; 
‘‘(2) informs passengers and personnel of the 
other major components of the recipient entity’s for-
mal policy, including a statement indicating that no 
transportation sexual assault or harassment incident 
is acceptable under any circumstance; and 
‘‘(3) informs passengers and personnel of the 
procedure for reporting a transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incident. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(d) STANDARD OF CARE.—Compliance with the re-
quirements of this section, and any policy issued there-
under, shall not determine whether the recipient entity has 
acted with any requisite standard of care. 
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) PERSONNEL.—The term ‘personnel’ means 
an employee or contractor of a recipient of Federal 
funds under this chapter. 
‘‘(2) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—The term ‘sexual as-
sault’ means the occurrence of an act that con-
stitutes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by 
Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the vic-
tim lacks capacity to consent. 
‘‘(3) TRANSPORTATION
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
OR 
HARASSMENT INCIDENT.—The term ‘transportation 
sexual assault or harassment incident’ means the oc-
currence, or reasonably suspected occurrence, of an 
act that— 
‘‘(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual 
harassment; and 
‘‘(B) is committed— 
‘‘(i) by a passenger or member of per-
sonnel of recipient entity against another 
passenger or member of personnel of the 
recipient entity; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(ii) within a vehicle of the recipient 
entity or in an area in which passengers 
are entering or exiting such a vehicle.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 53 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by add-
ing at the end the following: 
‘‘5341. Formal sexual assault and harassment policies.’’. 
SEC. 6. FORMAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT POLI-
CIES FOR PASSENGER VESSELS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3507(d) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘and’’ after 
the semicolon at the end; 
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting a semicolon; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6)(A) issue a formal policy with respect to 
sexual assault or harassment incidents that in-
cludes— 
‘‘(i) a statement indicating that no sexual 
assault or harassment incident is acceptable 
under any circumstance; 
‘‘(ii) procedures that facilitate the report-
ing of a sexual assault or harassment incident, 
including— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(I) appropriate public outreach ac-
tivities; and 
‘‘(II) confidential phone and internet- 
based opportunities for reporting; 
‘‘(iii) procedures that personnel should fol-
low upon the reporting of a sexual assault or 
harassment incident, including actions to pro-
tect affected individuals from continued sexual 
assault or harassment and how to provide the 
information and access required under para-
graph (5); 
‘‘(iv) procedures that may limit or prohibit, 
to the extent practicable, future travel on the 
vessel by any passenger who causes a transpor-
tation sexual assault or harassment incident; 
and 
‘‘(v) training that is required for all appro-
priate personnel with respect to the policy re-
quired under this paragraph, including— 
‘‘(I) specific training for personnel 
who may receive reports of sexual assault 
or harassment incidents; and 
‘‘(II) recognizing and responding to 
potential human trafficking victims; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(B) prominently display on the internet 
website of the vessel owner and, through the use of 
appropriate signage on each vessel, a written state-
ment that— 
‘‘(i) advises passengers and crew members 
that the vessel owner has adopted a formal pol-
icy with respect to sexual assault or harassment 
incidents; 
‘‘(ii) informs passengers and personnel of 
the other major components of the vessel own-
er’s formal policy, including a statement indi-
cating that no transportation sexual assault or 
harassment incident is acceptable under any 
circumstance; and 
‘‘(iii) informs passengers and crew mem-
bers of the procedure for reporting a sexual as-
sault or harassment incident; and 
‘‘(7) have a formal policy in effect with respect 
to sexual assault or harassment incidents.’’. 
(b) 
REPORTING
REQUIREMENT.—Section 
3507(g)(3)(A)(i) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ‘‘any sexual assault or harassment 
incident (as that term is defined in subsection (l) of this 
section) that constitutes a violation of law,’’ after ‘‘title 
18 applies,’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(c) STANDARD OF CARE.—Compliance with the re-
quirements of the amendments made by this section, and 
any policy issued thereunder, shall not determine whether 
the applicable owner of a vessel covered by such amend-
ments has acted with any requisite standard of care. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—Section 3507(l) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(l) DEFINITIONS.— 
‘‘(1) OWNER.—In this section and section 
3508, the term ‘owner’ means the owner, charterer, 
managing operator, master, or other individual in 
charge of a vessel. 
‘‘(2) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—The term ‘sexual as-
sault’ means the occurrence of an act that con-
stitutes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by 
Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the vic-
tim lacks capacity to consent. 
‘‘(3) SEXUAL ASSAULT OR HARASSMENT INCI-
DENT.—The term ‘sexual assault or harassment in-
cident’ means the occurrence, or reasonably sus-
pected occurrence, of an act that— 
‘‘(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual 
harassment; and 
‘‘(B) is committed— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(i) by a passenger of a vessel to 
which this section applies or a member of 
the crew of such a vessel against another 
passenger of such vessel or a member of 
the crew of such a vessel; and 
‘‘(ii) within— 
‘‘(I) such a vessel; or 
‘‘(II) an area in which passengers 
are entering or exiting such a vessel.’’. 
(e) MAINTENANCE AND PLACEMENT OF VIDEO SUR-
VEILLANCE EQUIPMENT.—Section 3507(b)(1) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The owner’’ and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The owner’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘, as determined by the Sec-
retary’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end, the following: 
‘‘(B) PLACEMENT
OF
VIDEO
SURVEIL-
LANCE EQUIPMENT.—With regard to the place-
ment of video surveillance equipment on a ves-
sel under subparagraph (A), the owner shall— 
‘‘(i) place video surveillance equipment 
in each passenger common area where a 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
person has no reasonable expectation of 
privacy; 
‘‘(ii) place video surveillance equip-
ment in other areas where a person has no 
reasonable expectation of privacy; and 
‘‘(iii) place video surveillance equip-
ment in each area identified under clause 
(i) or (ii) in a manner that provides opti-
mum surveillance of that area.’’. 
(f) NOTICE
OF
VIDEO
SURVEILLANCE.—Section 
3507(b), of title 46, United States Code, is further amend-
ed by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: 
‘‘(2) NOTICE OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE.—The 
owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall 
provide clear and conspicuous signs on board the 
vessel notifying the public of the presence of video 
surveillance equipment.’’. 
(g) ACCESS TO VIDEO RECORDS.—Section 3507(b), 
of title 46, United States Code, is further amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para-
graph (3); and 
(2) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated— 
(A) by striking ‘‘The owner’’ and inserting 
the following: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) LAW
ENFORCEMENT.—The owner’’; 
and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(B) CIVIL ACTIONS.—The owner of a ves-
sel to which this section applies shall provide to 
any individual or the individual’s legal rep-
resentative, upon written request, a copy of all 
records of video surveillance— 
‘‘(i) in which the individual is a sub-
ject of the video surveillance; and 
‘‘(ii) that may provide evidence in a 
civil action. 
‘‘(C) LIMITED ACCESS.—The owner of a 
vessel to which this section applies shall ensure 
that access to records of video surveillance is 
limited to the purposes described in this para-
graph.’’. 
(h) RETENTION REQUIREMENTS.—Section 3507(b), 
of title 46, United States Code, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) RETENTION REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The owner of a vessel 
to which this section applies shall retain all 
records of video surveillance for a voyage for 
not less than 90 days after the completion of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
the voyage. If an incident described in sub-
section (g)(3)(A)(i) is alleged and reported to 
law enforcement, all records of video surveil-
lance from the voyage that the Federal Bureau 
of Investigation determines are relevant shall— 
‘‘(i) be provided to the Federal Bu-
reau of Investigation; and 
‘‘(ii) be preserved by the vessel owner 
for not less than 5 years from the date of 
the alleged incident. 
‘‘(B) INTERIM
STANDARDS.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
the Stop Sexual Assault and Harassment in 
Transportation Act, the Commandant, in con-
sultation with the Federal Bureau of Investiga-
tion, shall promulgate interim standards for the 
retention of records of video surveillance. 
‘‘(C) FINAL STANDARDS.—Not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of the Stop 
Sexual Assault and Harassment in Transpor-
tation Act, the Commandant, in consultation 
with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall 
promulgate final standards for the retention of 
records of video surveillance. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(D) CONSIDERATIONS.—In promulgating 
standards under subparagraphs (B) and (C), 
the Commandant shall— 
‘‘(i) consider factors that would aid in 
the investigation of serious crimes, includ-
ing crimes that go unreported until after 
the completion of a voyage; 
‘‘(ii) consider the different types of 
video surveillance systems and storage re-
quirements in creating standards both for 
vessels currently in operation and for ves-
sels newly built; 
‘‘(iii) 
consider 
privacy, 
including 
standards for permissible access to and 
monitoring and use of the records of video 
surveillance; and 
‘‘(iv) consider technological advance-
ments, including requirements to update 
technology.’’. 
(i) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the owner of a 
vessel to which section 3507 of title 46, United States 
Code, applies shall issue the formal policy with respect to 
sexual assault or harassment incidents required by the 
amendments made by this section. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
SEC. 7. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR INTERFERENCE WITH CER-
TAIN TRANSPORTATION PERSONNEL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 805 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 80505. Interference with certain transportation 
personnel 
‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—An individual who physically 
or sexually assaults or threatens to physically or sexually 
assault an employee engaged in the transportation of pas-
sengers on behalf of a covered entity, or takes any action 
that poses an imminent threat to the safety of a vehicle 
of a covered entity that is transporting passengers, includ-
ing rolling stock, motorcoaches, and ferries, is liable to the 
United States Government for a civil penalty of— 
‘‘(1) for calendar years 2019 through 2024, not 
more than $35,000; 
‘‘(2) for calendar years 2025 through 2029, not 
more than $40,000; and 
‘‘(3) for calendar year 2030 and thereafter, not 
more than $45,000. 
‘‘(b) COMPROMISE AND SETOFF.— 
‘‘(1) COMPROMISE.—The Secretary of Trans-
portation may compromise the amount of a civil pen-
alty imposed under this section. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) SETOFF.—The United States Government 
may deduct the amount of a civil penalty imposed or 
compromised under this section from amounts the 
Government owes the person liable for the penalty. 
‘‘(c) COVERED ENTITY DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘covered entity’ means an entity that is 1 of the 
following: 
‘‘(1) A recipient of Federal funds under chapter 
53 of this title. 
‘‘(2) A motor carrier of passengers that— 
‘‘(A) conducts regularly scheduled intercity 
service; and 
‘‘(B) is a Class I carrier (as that term is 
used in section 369.3(a) of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations). 
‘‘(3) An entity providing commuter rail pas-
senger transportation or intercity rail passenger 
transportation (as those terms are defined in section 
24102 of this title). 
‘‘(4) The owner of a vessel for which section 
3507 of title 46 applies. 
‘‘(5) A transportation network company.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 805 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
inserting after the item relating to section 80504 the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘80505. Interference with certain transportation personnel.’’. 
(c) GRADUATED FINES FOR INTERFERENCE WITH 
CABIN OR FLIGHT CREW.—Section 46318(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘penalty of 
not more than $35,000.’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘penalty of— 
‘‘(1) for calendar years 2019 through 2024, not 
more than $35,000; 
‘‘(2) for calendar years 2025 through 2029, not 
more than $40,000; and 
‘‘(3) for calendar year 2030 and thereafter, not 
more than $45,000.’’. 
SEC. 8. FORMAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT POLI-
CIES FOR TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COM-
PANIES. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, each transportation net-
work company shall issue, in consultation with labor 
unions representing TNC drivers of each such transpor-
tation network company, if applicable, a formal policy with 
respect to transportation sexual assault or harassment in-
cidents. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The policy required under sub-
section (a) shall include— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(1) a statement indicating that no transpor-
tation sexual assault or harassment incident is ac-
ceptable under any circumstance; 
(2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of a 
transportation sexual assault or harassment inci-
dent, including— 
(A) appropriate public outreach activities; 
and 
(B) confidential phone and internet-based 
opportunities for reporting; 
(3) procedures that TNC personnel should fol-
low upon the reporting of a transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incident, including actions to 
protect affected individuals from continued sexual 
assault or harassment and to notify law enforcement 
when appropriate; 
(4) procedures that may limit or prohibit, to the 
extent practicable, future use of the transportation 
network company platform by any passenger or 
TNC driver who causes a transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incident; and 
(5) training that is required for all appropriate 
personnel with respect to the policy required under 
subsection (a), including— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(A) specific training for such personnel 
who may receive reports of transportation sex-
ual assault or harassment incidents; and 
(B) recognizing and responding to poten-
tial human trafficking victims. 
(c) PASSENGER INFORMATION.—A transportation 
network company shall prominently display, on the inter-
net website of the company and through the use of appro-
priate signage, a written statement that— 
(1) advises passengers that the transportation 
network company has adopted a formal policy with 
respect to transportation sexual assault or harass-
ment incidents; 
(2) informs passengers, TNC drivers, and TNC 
personnel of the other major components of the 
transportation network company’s formal policy, in-
cluding a statement indicating that no transpor-
tation sexual assault or harassment incident is ac-
ceptable under any circumstance; and 
(3) informs passengers of the procedure for re-
porting a transportation sexual assault or harass-
ment incident. 
(d) STANDARD OF CARE.—Compliance with the re-
quirements of this section, and any policy issued there-
under, shall not determine whether the transportation net-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
work company has acted with any requisite standard of 
care. 
SEC. 9. DATA COLLECTION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall establish a program to annually collect and 
maintain data from each covered entity on— 
(1) the number of transportation sexual assault 
or harassment incidents reported to the covered enti-
ty, including— 
(A) the number of incidents committed 
against passengers; and 
(B) the number of incidents committed 
against personnel or, in the case of a TNC, a 
TNC driver; 
(2) the number of transportation sexual assault 
or harassment incidents reported to law enforcement 
by personnel of the covered entity; and 
(3) any transportation sexual assault or harass-
ment incidents compiled and maintained under sec-
tion 3507(g)(4)(A)(i) of title 46, United States 
Code. 
(b) DATA AVAILABILITY.—Subject to subsection (c), 
the Secretary shall make available to the public on the 
primary internet website of the Department of Transpor-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
tation the data collected and maintained under subsection 
(a). 
(c) DATA PROTECTION.—Data made available under 
subsection (b) shall be made available in a manner that— 
(1) protects the privacy and confidentiality of 
individuals involved in a transportation sexual as-
sault or harassment incident; 
(2) precludes the connection of the data to any 
individual covered entity; and 
(3) is organized by mode of transportation. 
(d) PAPERWORK
REDUCTION.—Subchapter I of 
chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, does not apply 
to this Act. 
SEC. 10. CRIMINAL REPORTING PROCESS. 
The Attorney General, in coordination with the Sec-
retary of Transportation, shall expand the process re-
quired to be established under section 339B of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254) to 
provide for a streamlined process for any individuals in-
volved in alleged transportation sexual assault or harass-
ment incidents that constitute a violation of law to report 
those allegations to law enforcement in a manner that pro-
tects the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved 
in such allegations and through the same primary internet 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
websites as provided under subsection (b) of such section, 
as determined appropriate by the Attorney General. 
SEC. 11. INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT TO CONGRESS. 
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the inspector 
general of the Department of Transportation shall assess 
compliance with the provisions of this Act and the amend-
ments made by this Act, including the accuracy of the re-
porting of transportation sexual assault or harassment in-
cidents by covered entities. 
SEC. 12. DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall develop, and publish in the Federal Register, 
a definition of sexual harassment for purposes of the im-
plementation of this Act and the amendments made by 
this Act. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In developing the definition 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with, and 
consider input from— 
(1) labor unions representing transportation 
workers employed by covered entities; and 
(2) national organizations that specialize in pro-
viding services to sexual assault victims. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
SEC. 13. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘‘covered en-
tity’’ means an entity that is one of the following: 
(A) An air carrier (as that term is defined 
in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
Code) that transports passengers for compensa-
tion. 
(B) A foreign air carrier (as that term is 
defined in section 40102 of title 49, United 
States Code) that transports passengers for 
compensation. 
(C) A recipient of Federal funds under 
chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code. 
(D) A motor carrier of passengers that— 
(i) conducts regularly scheduled inter-
city service; and 
(ii) is a Class I carrier (as that term 
is used in section 369.3(a) of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations). 
(E) An entity providing commuter rail pas-
senger transportation or intercity rail passenger 
transportation (as those terms are defined in 
section 24102 of title 49, United States Code). 
(F) The owner of a vessel for which section 
3507 of title 46, United States Code, applies. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(G) A transportation network company. 
(2) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—The term ‘‘sexual as-
sault’’ means the occurrence of an act that con-
stitutes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by 
Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the vic-
tim lacks capacity to consent. 
(3) TNC DRIVER.—The term ‘‘TNC driver’’ 
means an individual who is employed, contracted by, 
or otherwise affiliated with a transportation network 
company to provide transportation services (also 
known as ride-sharing) to the public. 
(4) TNC PERSONNEL.—The term ‘‘TNC per-
sonnel’’ means an employee or contractor of a cov-
ered transportation network company, other than a 
TNC driver. 
(5) TRANSPORTATION
NETWORK
COMPANY.— 
The term ‘‘transportation network company’’— 
(A) means a corporation, partnership, sole 
proprietorship, or other entity, that uses a dig-
ital network to connect riders to drivers affili-
ated with the entity in order for the driver to 
transport the rider using a vehicle owned, 
leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the 
driver to a point chosen by the rider; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS
(B) does not include a shared-expense car-
pool or vanpool arrangement that is not in-
tended to generate profit for the driver. 
(6) TRANSPORTATION
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
OR 
HARASSMENT INCIDENT.—The term ‘‘transportation 
sexual assault or harassment incident’’ means the 
occurrence, or reasonably suspected occurrence, of 
an act that— 
(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual 
harassment; and 
(B) is committed— 
(i) by a passenger or a member of the 
personnel of a covered entity, or in the 
case of a TNC, a TNC driver of the cov-
ered entity, against another passenger or 
member of personnel or TNC driver of the 
covered entity; and 
(ii) within— 
(I) a vehicle of the covered entity 
that is transporting passengers, in-
cluding 
aircraft, 
rolling 
stock, 
motorcoaches, and ferries; or 
(II) an area in which passengers 
are entering or exiting such a vehicle. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:16 Nov 19, 2019
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H5139.IH
H5139
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with BILLS