Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2003

Bill: 108-hr-875
Sponsor: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]
Introduced: 2003-02-25 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Armed Forces and National Security
Biological warfare
Bus drivers
Cameras
Chemical warfare
Computer matching
Congress
Congressional reporting requirements
Crime and Law Enforcement
Crime prevention
EBB Terrorism
Economic impact statements
Economics and Public Finance
Emergency Management
Emergency communication systems
Employee selection
Employee training
Federal aid to transportation
Freight
Government Operations and Politics
Government paperwork
Government trust funds
Identification devices
Identification of criminals
International Affairs
Labor and Employment
Legislation
Motor buses
Parking facilities
Personnel records
Planning
Private police
Research
Science, Technology, Communications
Security measures
September 11, 2001
Technological innovations
Terminals (Transportation)
Terrorism
Traffic accidents and safety
Transportation research
Transportation safety
Video tape recording
Weapons of mass destruction

Summary:
action_date: 2003-02-25
text: Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001. Sets forth certain grant requirements, including requiring: (1) an applicant private operator of over-the-road buses to submit to the Secretary a security improvements plan; and (2) an applicant for a grant for security improvements within a terminal owned and operated by an entity other than the applicant to demonstrate to the Secretary that such applicant has coordinated such improvements for the terminal with the entity. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a preliminary report that includes an assessment of the over-the-road bus security grant program.
action_date: 2003-03-13
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced in the House on February 25, 2003. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2003 - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to establish a program to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001.
(Sec. 3) Sets forth certain grant requirements, including requiring: (1) an applicant private operator of over-the-road buses to submit to the Secretary a security improvements plan; and (2) an applicant for a grant for security improvements within a terminal owned and operated by an entity other than the applicant to demonstrate to the Secretary that such applicant has coordinated such improvements for the terminal with the entity.
(Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a preliminary report that includes an assessment of: (1) the over-the-road bus security grant program; (2) actions already taken to address identified security issues by both public and private entities, together with any recommendations for additional safety and security enforcement actions; (3) the economic impact that security upgrades of buses and bus facilities may have on the over-the-road bus transportation industry and its employees; (4) ongoing research, including engine shut-off mechanisms, chemical and biological weapon detection technology, and the feasibility of compartmentalizing the driver; (5) industry best practices to enhance security; and (6) any need for additional legislation.
(Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 and 2004.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2003-03-13
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 23.
action_date: 2003-03-13
text: Reported by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 108-36.
action_date: 2003-03-13
text: Reported by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 108-36.
action_date: 2003-02-26
text: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2003-02-26
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2003-02-25
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2003-02-25
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2003-02-25
text: Introduced in House