Vision Zero Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.3562 | Sponsor: Rep. Blumenauer, Earl (D-OR)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Vision Zero Act of 2021
This bill allows states to use funds that are apportioned under the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and the Highway Safety Improvement Program to support the development and implementation of local vision zero plans to reduce transportation-related fatalities and injuries within 20 years or less.
Plans must include specified components, including strategies to educate the public and equitably invest in low-income and minority communities, and may include a complete streets prioritization plan with specific projects for transportation and community networks.
The bill prohibits federal funds from being used to enforce vision zero plans.

To allow States to use funding provided under the surface 
 transportation block grant program and the highway safety improvement 
    program to develop and implement vision zero plans in eligible 
                  localities, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Vision Zero Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. VISION ZERO.

    (a) In General.--A local government, metropolitan planning 
organization, or regional transportation planning organization may 
develop and implement a vision zero plan to significantly reduce or 
eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries within 
a specified timeframe, not to exceed 20 years.
    (b) Use of Funds.--Amounts apportioned to a State under paragraph 
(2) or (3) of section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code, may be 
used to carry out a vision zero plan under this section.
    (c) Contents of Plan.--A vision zero plan under this section shall 
include--
            (1) a description of programs, strategies, or policies 
        intended to significantly reduce or eliminate transportation-
        related fatalities and serious injuries within a specified 
        timeframe, not to exceed 20 years, that is consistent with a 
        State strategic highway safety plan and uses existing 
        transportation data and consideration of risk factors;
            (2) plans for the implementation of, and education of the 
        public about, such programs, strategies, and policies;
            (3) a description of how such programs, strategies, or 
        policies will--
                    (A) equitably invest in the safety needs of low-
                income and minority communities; and
                    (B) protect the rights of members of such 
                communities with respect to title VI of the Civil 
                Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.); and
            (4) a description of a mechanism to evaluate progress of 
        the development and implementation of the plan, including the 
        gathering and use of transportation safety and demographic 
        data.
    (d) Inclusions.--A vision zero plan may include a complete streets 
prioritization plan that identifies a specific list of projects to--
            (1) create a connected network of active transportation 
        facilities, including sidewalks, bikeways, or pedestrian and 
        bicycle trails, to connect communities and provide safe, 
        reliable, affordable, and convenient access to employment, 
        housing, and services, consistent with the goals described in 
        section 150(b) of title 23, United States Code;
            (2) integrate active transportation facilities with public 
        transportation service or improve access to public 
        transportation; and
            (3) improve transportation options for low-income and 
        minority communities.
    (e) Coordination.--A vision zero plan under this section shall 
provide for coordination of various subdivisions of a unit of local 
government in the implementation of the plan.
    (f) Restriction on Use of Funds.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, no Federal funds may be used to enforce a vision zero 
plan.
    (g) Safety Performance Management.--A vision zero plan under this 
section is not sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the safety 
performance or planning requirements of section 148 or 150 of title 23, 
United States Code.
    (h) Amendment to Section 148.--Section 148 of title 23, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B)(xiii) by inserting ``, 
        including the development of a vision zero plan under the 
        Vision Zero Act of 2021'' after ``safety planning'';
            (2) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(i) by inserting ``excessive 
        design speeds and speed limits,'' after ``crossing needs,''; 
        and
            (3) in subsection (h)(1)(A) by inserting ``, including any 
        efforts to reduce vehicle speed'' after ``under this section''.
    (i) Amendment to Section 150.--Section 150(b)(1) of title 23, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``or elimination'' after 
``significant reduction''.
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