zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Reclaiming Our American Dollars Act - Requires the transfer to the Highway Trust Fund of unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations (stimulus funds) made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5), except specified appropriations for: (1) the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers-Civil; or (2) the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Date: 2010-03-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Erica's Law - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 15% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway program funds if the state has not enacted or is not enforcing a law that: (1) prohibits, with specified exceptions, an individual from using a wireless communication device to call or compose, read, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone; and (2) requires, upon conviction of a violation of the prohibition, the imposition of certain minimum penalties.

Date: 2010-04-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Consumer Auto Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to promulgate a rule that: (1) requires each motor vehicle manufacturer to equip each motor vehicle manufactured in model year 2012 or later with an event data recorder (EDR) that meets certain specifications; and (2) establishes a universal data retrieval method by which recorded data in an EDR may be retrieved and put into readable form regardless of manufacturer or model of the motor vehicle. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a process by which an individual or entity may transmit EDR data to the Secretary; and (2) create an EDR database for research and analysis. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a rule that requires each motor vehicle manufacturer to ensure that the data recorded by an EDR in a motor vehicle manufactured before model year 2012 is capable of being read by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Prohibits the retrieval of data stored in an EDR by any person other than the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle in which such device is installed, unless: (1) a court authorizes it, the owner or lessee consents, or the data is retrieved by a government motor vehicle safety agency; and (2) neither the personally identifiable information of the vehicle owner, lessee,or occupant nor the vehicle identification number (VIN) is publicly disclosed in connection with the data.

Date: 2010-05-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Consumer Vehicle Choice Act of 2010 - Requires each manufacturer to ensure that at least 50% of 2011 and 2012 model year automobiles and light duty trucks manufactured for sale in the United States are dual fueled. Increases the minimum to 90% for later model years. (Excludes automobiles and light duty trucks that operate only on electricity.)

Date: 2010-06-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Energy
Military Personnel Readiness Act of 2010 - Authorizes a state agency with jurisdiction over the operation of a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facility to: (1) permit vehicles operated by active duty members of the Armed Forces, law enforcement officers, or emergency response personnel to use HOV lane highways; and (2) take necessary action to implement these exceptions, including establishing eligibility requirements for such operators and providing for the badging of vehicles. Directs the Comptroller General to study, and report to Congress on, the effects of traffic congestion on military readiness in metropolitan areas with high concentrations of military personnel.

Date: 2010-07-27
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Students Taking Action for Road Safety Act of 2010 or STARS Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a teen traffic safety grant program to make formula grants to states to implement statewide programs to improve the traffic safety of teen drivers. Authorizes a state to use grant funds to implement a statewide program to improve the traffic safety of teen drivers, including activities to support peer-to-peer education and prevention strategies in schools and communities to increase safety belt use and reduce speeding, impaired and distracted driving, underage drinking, and other destructive teen driver decisions that lead to injuries and fatalities. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with a national, nonprofit organization (center) to provide training and technical assistance to state and local officials, student leaders, school advisors, and other entities associated with the grant program. Authorizes the center to operate a national teen traffic safety clearinghouse. Directs the Secretary to establish the National Teen Driver Advisory Council to study and develop an education and prevention strategy to reduce teen driver injuries and fatalities.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Corridor N Extension Act of 2010 - Designates as an addition to Corridor N of the Appalachian development highway system a 149-mile segment from Corridor M to Corridor T in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from requiring the replacement of street and highway signs that are in upper case letters with signs that are in mixed case lettering with the initial letter in upper case followed by lower case lettering.

Date: 2010-11-16
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Research of Alcohol Detection Systems for Stopping Alcohol-related Fatalities Everywhere Act of 2010 or ROADS SAFE Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to carry out a collaborative research effort to continue to explore the feasibility and the potential benefits of, and the public policy challenges associated with, more widespread deployment of in-vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving. Directs the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to prescribe certain performance standards to reduce commercial motor vehicle rollover and loss of control crashes and associated deaths and injuries for air-braked truck tractors and motorcoaches with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding the quality of data collected through the National Automotive Sampling System, including the Special Crash Investigations, as well as recommendation for improvements to the data collection program. Requires the Secretary to establish and publicize a hotline for mechanics, passenger motor vehicle dealership personnel, and passenger motor vehicle manufacturer personnel to contact NHTSA confidentially regarding potential passenger motor vehicle safety defects. Requires the Secretary to establish within NHTSA an honors program for the recruitment of engineering, computer science, and other students interested in training with engineers and other safety officials for a career in vehicle safety. Revises requirements for rules on early warning reporting by motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment manufacturers about vehicle or equipment defects. Requires early warning reports to include information on consumer complaints, warranty claims, field reports, or technical service bulletins. Requires all early warning report information to be made available to the public, unless exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Presumes that information shall not be exempt from disclosure, and thus must be made public, if it is: (1) vehicle safety defect information related to incidents involving death or injury; (2) aggregated numbers of property damage claims; or (3) aggregated numbers of consumer complaints related to potential vehicle defects.

Date: 2010-12-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Nationwide Freight and Personal Mobility Act - Specifies a formula for the automatic authorization of additional appropriations for National Highway System (NHS) improvement projects, starting FY2010, if apportionments fall below a certain level. Revises the federal share of non-Interstate highway projects to make it: (1) 80% for non-NHS projects; and (2) 85% for NHS projects.

Date: 2009-01-22
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Idaho Efficient Vehicle Demonstration Act of 2009 - Prohibits any reduction of the apportionment of federal-aid highway funds to Idaho if: (1) it permits a commercial combination vehicle weighing up to 129,000 pounds to operate on specified routes of the Interstate System within the state; (2) such vehicle does not exceed state weight limits for operation on state highways; and (3) the vehicle is limited to travel only on certain portions of Interstate Routes 15, 84, and 86. (Under current law, the federal-aid highway funds of a state shall be reduced if it permits a commercial combination vehicle with a weight in excess of federal weight limits to operate on Interstate System highways within the state.)

Date: 2009-02-09
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Complete Streets Act of 2009 - Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects, with certain exceptions, to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles. Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, and individuals with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development. Allows such law or policy to make project-specific exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population and employment densities or level of transit service around a roadway is so low that there is no need to implement such principles; and (2) all such exemptions are properly approved. Requires: (1) the Secretary to establish a method for ensuring compliance by state departments of transportation and MPOs with complete streets principles; and (2) states to require every agency responsible for a project within an approved transportation improvement program to review and certify project compliance with complete streets principles. Requires states noncompliant with complete streets principles to use a portion of their surface transportation program funds to carry out a highway safety program. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to conduct research regarding complete streets to: (1) assist states, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in developing and implementing complete streets-compliant plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training programs; and (2) establish benchmarks for, and provide technical guidance on, implementing complete streets policies and principles.

Date: 2009-03-12
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Revises the definition of "commercial motor vehicle" with respect to federal commercial motor vehicle safety laws to include a vehicle with farm-designated license plates engaged in the transportation of agricultural commodities or farm supplies, or a vehicle controlled by a farmer and used to transport such items to or from a farm, having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight the greater of which exceeds the minimum weight of a commercial motor vehicle as established by the state. (Current law applies to vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds, whichever is greater.) Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from withholding commercial motor vehicle safety improvement grants from a state solely because it authorizes drivers of farm vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of between 10,000 and 26,001 pounds to operate without complying with federal commercial motor vehicle safety laws.

Date: 2009-03-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a rulemaking to promulgate a phased-in motor vehicle safety standard: (1) establishing performance requirements for an alert sound that allows blind and other pedestrians to detect a nearby electric or hybrid vehicle operating below the cross-over speed, if any; and (2) requiring such vehicles to provide an alert sound conforming to established standard requirements. Prescribes requirements for such standards. Prohibits requiring either driver or pedestrian activation of the alert sound. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on whether there is a safety need to apply such standard to conventional motor vehicles. Requires the allocation of certain funds to the Administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to carry out this rulemaking.

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a program to demonstrate the effects on the safety of the highway network in Maine of permitting operation on the Interstate System highways within the state of a vehicle that weighs over 80,000 pounds, that consists of a three-axle tractor unit hauling a single trailer or semitrailer, and that does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation applicable under Maine law. Waives highway funding reduction relating to weight of vehicles using Interstate System highways with respect to vehicles allowed pursuant to this program. Provides for program termination and for the responsibilities of the state of Maine, including: (1) submitting a plan to the Secretary; (2) establishing a highway safety committee; and (3) collecting data on the net effects of the operation of such vehicles on safety.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Transportation Equity for All Americans Act - Excludes privatized highway miles (lane and vehicle miles traveled on a privatized highway) as a factor in calculating the state apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds (including funds under the Equity bonus program). Defines "privatized highway" as a highway subject to an agreement giving a private entity control over the highway's operation and ownership over collected highway toll revenues.

Date: 2009-04-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Jason's Law - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) implement a pilot program to allocate funds to states, metropolitan planning organizations, and local governments that submit an application approved by the Secretary for eligible projects to establish long-term parking facilities for commercial motor vehicles (trucks) on the National Highway System; and (2) give priority to applicants that demonstrate a severe shortage of truck parking capacity and whose proposed projects are likely to have positive effects on highway safety, traffic congestion, or air quality.

Date: 2009-05-05
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Idaho Efficient Vehicle Demonstration Act of 2009 - Prohibits any reduction of the apportionment of federal-aid highway funds to Idaho if: (1) it permits a commercial combination vehicle weighing up to 129,000 pounds to operate on specified routes of the Interstate System within the state; (2) such vehicle does not exceed state weight limits for operation on state highways; and (3) the vehicle is limited to travel only on certain portions of Interstate Routes 15, 84, and 86. (Under current law, the federal-aid highway funds of a state shall be reduced if it permits a commercial combination vehicle with a weight in excess of federal weight limits to operate on Interstate System highways within the state.)

Date: 2009-05-18
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Roads Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a national clearinghouse for positive alcohol and controlled substance test results and test refusals of commercial motor vehicle operators. Prohibits the release of clearinghouse information to a commercial motor carrier employer unless there has been compliance with all applicable federal privacy laws and regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to collect fees from such employers and other authorized users for informational requests. Prohibits an employer from hiring an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the employer has determined that the individual, for the preceding three-year period, has: (1) been tested for use of alcohol and controlled substances; (2) not tested positive for their use, or tested positive but has completed the return-to-duty process; and (3) not refused to be tested. Directs the Secretary to establish a process: (1) to require employers to request and review any clearinghouse records of individuals before their employment as a commercial motor vehicle operator; and (2) for an individual and a state licensing authority to request and receive information from the clearinghouse. Subjects persons who violate the requirements of this Act to both civil and criminal penalties. Requires the Secretary to take certain actions to enhance Department of Transportation (DOT) oversight of testing sites.

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Auto Stock for Every Taxpayer Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from expending or obligating any more Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds for automobile manufacturers that have been participating in the program and have filed for bankruptcy protection. Imposes on the Secretary the fiduciary duty to maximize the return on the taxpayers' investment in such manufacturers under TARP. Authorizes persons aggrieved by violations of such fiduciary duty to bring civil actions for equitable relief. Requires the Secretary, after the emergence of such an automobile manufacturer from bankruptcy, to provide taxpayers with common stock certificates representing their shares in the aggregate common stock holdings of the federal government in such manufacturer.

Date: 2009-06-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Automobile Dealers Assistance Act of 2009 - Conditions the provision of federal funds to automobile manufacturers or distributors in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding on their use of such funds to fully reimburse their dealers for certain costs the dealers incurred over the nine months preceding the commencement of such bankruptcy. Counts as reimbursable costs over that period: (1) the costs of acquiring all parts and inventory in the dealer's possession on the same basis as if the dealer were terminating pursuant to an existing franchise or dealer agreement; and (2) all other obligations owed by the automobile manufacturer or its distributor pursuant to an agreement with the dealer. Requires such dealer reimbursement terms to be included in the wording of agreements between such manufacturers or their distributors and the federal government, and in the terms of credit agreements approved by bankruptcy courts. Prohibits the rejection of franchise or dealer agreements by automobile manufacturers or their distributors that are debtors in a bankruptcy proceeding from becoming effective until at least 180 days after approval by a bankruptcy court.

Date: 2009-06-11
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require states to install broadband conduits (conduits for fiber optic cables or wireless facilities that support broadband service) in certain highway construction projects.

Date: 2009-06-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 - Prohibits an automobile manufacturer (manufacturer) in which the federal government has an ownership interest, or which receives loans from the federal government, from depriving an automobile dealer (dealer) of its economic rights. Requires the manufacturer to honor those rights as they existed for Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation dealers prior to the commencement of the bankruptcy cases of each corporation, including dealer rights to recourse under state law. Requires the appropriate manufacturer to restore the franchise agreement between the dealers and Chrysler LLC or General Motors that was in effect prior to the commencement of their respective bankruptcy cases, and to take assignment of such agreements. States that nothing in this Act is intended to make null and void the transfer of substantially all the assets of such corporations.

Date: 2009-06-18
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Appalachian Development Highway System Completion Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2010-FY2015 for the Appalachian development highway system program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such funds among the appropriate states to complete construction of the Appalachian development highway system. Authorizes states of the system to loan apportioned amounts between themselves.

Date: 2009-07-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit for 50% of the cost of placing in service any qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system. Defines "qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system" as a manufacturer-certified brake stroke monitoring system, lane departure warning system, collision warning system, or vehicle stability system identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as significantly enhancing the safety or security of commercial drivers, vehicles, or passengers. Terminates such credit after 2013.

Date: 2009-08-05
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Private Investment in Commuter Vanpooling Act of 2009 - Allows the local matching share provided by a public transportation capital project assistance recipient to include expenditures by a private commuter vanpooling service provider to acquire rolling stock (vans). Authorizes such a private provider to use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs to acquire such vans, if there is a binding agreement requiring the vans to be used in the state or local government's service area.

Date: 2009-10-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend temporarily the suspension of duty on certain extruders used in the production of radial tires.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Provides for the liquidation or reliquidation of, and refund of any duties and interest paid on, certain entries of truck tires.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain hot feed extruding equipment used in the manufacture of extra-wide pneumatic truck and automobile tires, and parts and accessories thereof.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain mold curing devices used in the manufacture of extra-wide pneumatic truck and automobile tires, and parts and accessories thereof.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain tirebuilding machines used in the manufacture of extra-wide pneumatic truck and automobile tires, and parts and accessories thereof.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on high pressure fuel pump.

Date: 2009-11-02
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2009 - Grants state, county, and municipal governments, as well as multi-jurisdictional transportation authorities that operate or manage roads, bridges, railroads, buses, ferries, or other transportation systems, rulemaking authority to establish toll, user fee, or fare discount programs for their local residents or commuters.

Date: 2009-11-16
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds for FY2013-FY2015 if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing a law requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 180 days on each motor vehicle operated by an individual convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence.

Date: 2009-12-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Public Transportation Safety Program Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a federal public transportation safety program to improve the safety of, and reduce the number of accidents involving, rail fixed guideway public transportation systems and public transportation bus systems that receive federal assistance. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to establish a federal certification program for employees and contractors who carry out state public transportation safety program activities in compliance with this Act. Delineates requirements for state preemption of federal law with respect to public transportation safety. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain public transportation safety program activities, including inspection and testing of public transportation systems and accident prevention and investigation. Allows a state to establish a state public transportation safety program that complies with federal regulations and policies issued by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or enter into agreements to carry out such state programs, including to: (1) train employees to administer the program; and (2) enforce federal and state public transportation safety laws and regulations. Grants the Secretary enforcement authority for violations of public transportation safety, including alcohol and controlled substances testing. Authorizes the Secretary immediately, without regard to ordinary administrative procedure, to order restrictions and prohibitions to abate an emergency situation.

Date: 2010-02-22
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act of 2010 - Requires the manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold, leased, or otherwise introduced into commerce in the United States to provide to the owner of the motor vehicle and the service provider of the motor vehicle, using reasonable business means and on a non-discriminatory basis, all information and tools needed to diagnose, service, maintain, or repair the motor vehicle. Provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Permits civil actions by: (1) states on behalf of the state's residents; and (2) consumers and service providers. Provides for the protection of trade secrets, except that no information may be withheld by a manufacturer on the ground that it is a trade secret if that information is provided (directly or indirectly) to authorized dealers or service providers.

Date: 2010-03-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Commerce
Motor Vehicle Safety Integrity Employment Act - Prohibits National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) employees, during the 36-month period following the employee's termination of employment with NHTSA, from commencing employment with, or otherwise advising, assisting, or representing for compensation a manufacturer or other person subject to federal motor vehicle safety regulation, if such position or activity involves: (1) communicating with NHTSA regarding motor vehicle safety compliance; (2) representing or advising a manufacturer regarding compliance with motor vehicle safety or average fuel economy standards; or (3) assisting a manufacturer in responding to a NHTSA request for information. Prohibits a motor vehicle manufacturer or other person from employing NHTSA employees in any such prohibited capacity during the 36-month period following the employee's termination of employment with NHTSA. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to study and report to specified congressional committees on DOT policies and procedures regarding: (1) official communication with former motor vehicle safety employees concerning motor vehicle safety compliance matters for which they had responsibility during the last 12 months of their tenure at DOT; and (2) post-employment restrictions on employees who perform transportation safety functions.

Date: 2010-04-28
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2010 or the STANDUP Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award incentive grants to states with graduated driver licensing laws that require novice drivers younger than age 21 to comply with a two-stage licensing process before receiving an unrestricted driver's license. Requires such laws, at a minimum, to include: (1) a learner's permit stage that commences at age 16 or older, lasts at least six months, prohibits driver use of a cellular phone or other communications device in nonemergency situations, prohibits nighttime driving, and remains in effect until commencement of the intermediate stage or the driver attains age 18; (2) an intermediate stage in effect until the driver attains age 18 that commences immediately after expiration of the learner's permit stage, lasts at least six months, prohibits driver use of a cellular phone or other communications device in nonemergency situations, prohibits nighttime driving, prohibits more than one non-familial passenger under age 21 unless there is a licensed driver at least age 21 present in the vehicle; and (3) any other requirement that the Secretary may require. Directs the Secretary to withhold a certain percentage of federal-aid highway funds from states that do not comply with the requirements of this Act.

Date: 2010-04-28
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Motor Carrier Protection Act of 2010 - Requires each freight forwarder or freight broker registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to: (1) pay an annual registration renewal fee in an amount determined by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT); (2) provide updated registration information; and (3) submit proof of compliance with applicable surety and insurance requirements. Requires noncompliant brokers, freight forwarders, or motor carriers to be listed as inactive on all relevant DOT websites. Requires the FMCSA Administrator to issue a distinctive registration number for each activity or service of a person (including motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker) registered to provide one or more such activities or services. Requires a registrant to specify, in writing, the authority under which it is providing required services for each shipment for which it seeks compensation. Revises federal motor carrier registration requirements to prohibit a motor carrier from brokering transportation services unless registered as a broker. Requires registered motor carriers to maintain insurance for property damage when transporting property. Revises and consolidates federal registration and security requirements for freight forwarders and brokers. Prohibits a person from acting as a freight forwarder or broker unless that person: (1) holds a freight forwarder's permit or broker's license issued by the FMCSA; and (2) furnishes a bond or other surety from a provider determined by the FMCSA Administrator to be adequate to insure financial responsibility of at least $100,000. Prohibits a person acting as a broker (other than a non-vessel-operating common carrier), or an ocean freight forwarder providing brokerage as part of an international through movement involving ocean transportation between the United States and a foreign port, from providing interstate brokerage services unless that person: (1) is registered under and in compliance with this Act; and (2) has satisfied financial security requirements. Prescribes civil penalties for violators of such requirements.

Date: 2010-06-14
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Rural Mobility and Access for America Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program for the allocation of federal funds for surface transportation program projects in rural states. Defines "rural state" as any of the 50 states that: (1) has a population density of 45 or fewer individuals per square mile of land area; or (2) does not include an urbanized area with a population of more than 500,000 individuals.

Date: 2010-06-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Cheaper Car Insurance Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly: (1) commits automobile insurance fraud; or (2) acts as a runner, capper, steerer, organizer, mastermind, or leader of an auto insurance fraud operation. Directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish best practices for states to use in licensing: (1) auto body shops that perform work paid for by insurers; and (2) medical treatment for people injured in auto accidents. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) cooperate with the offices of the United States attorneys to investigate fraudulent chop shops and salvage yards, prosecute automobile insurance fraud, and report statistics on investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of automobile insurance fraud; and (2) establish Federal-State-Local Anti-Auto Insurance Fraud Task Forces in cities most severely affected by automobile insurance fraud. Grants an insurance company the right to require a mandatory inspection of any motor vehicle prior to agreeing to provide insurance coverage and to waive such right under specified circumstances.

Date: 2010-06-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Safe Highway Markings Act of 2010 - Prescribes standards for glass beads used in pavement markings, limiting the arsenic or lead content to 200 parts per million. Requires states that receive certain federal-aid highway funds to ensure that each glass bead used in pavement markings on or along federal-aid highway roads or highways does not contain more than 200 parts per million arsenic or lead. Requires the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), to withhold up to 5% of the apportionment of funds for any state that does not comply with such standards.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Students Taking Action for Road Safety Act of 2010 or STARS Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a teen traffic safety grant program to award formula grants to states to implement statewide programs to improve the traffic safety of teen drivers. Authorizes a state to use grant funds to implement such statewide program to improve the traffic safety of teen drivers, including activities to support peer-to-peer education and prevention strategies in schools and communities to increase safety belt use and reduce speeding, impaired and distracted driving, underage drinking, and other destructive teen driver decisions that lead to injuries and fatalities. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with a national, nonprofit organization to establish a technical assistance center to provide training and technical assistance to state and local officials, student leaders, school advisors, and other entities associated with the grant program. Authorizes the center to operate a national teen traffic safety clearinghouse. Directs the Secretary to establish the National Teen Driver Advisory Council to study and develop an education and prevention strategy to reduce teen driver injuries and fatalities.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2010 - Allows a state to authorize a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) exceeding certain federal weight limitations to operate on Interstate Highway System (IHS) routes in the state if: (1) the vehicle is equipped with at least six axles; (2) the weight of any single axle does not exceed 20,000 pounds; (3) the weight of any tandem axle does not exceed 34,000 pounds; (4) the weight of any group of 3 or more axles does not exceed 51,000 pounds; and (5) the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 97,000 pounds. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a safe and efficient vehicle bridge infrastructure improvement program. Requires the Secretary to apportion amounts from the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund to states for eligible bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an overweight vehicle tax on any vehicles that exceed federal weight limitations operating on the IHS; and (2) establish the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund.

Date: 2010-08-04
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Commercial Driver Compliance Improvement Act - Requires all commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate commerce and subject to both federal hours-of-service and record of duty status requirements, in order to improve compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations, to be equipped with an electronic on-board recording device meeting performance and design standards and requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT). Denies the admissibility in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding of recorded information retrieved from an electronic on-board recording device installed in a motor vehicle: (1) for any purpose other than to establish compliance or noncompliance with applicable federal hours-of-service requirements; or (2) unless the motor vehicle owner consents to the retrieval of information, or the information is retrieved by a government motor vehicle safety or law enforcement agency and is not used by any person or entity other than that agency.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the state on June 1, 2008, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the NHS (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under state law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by state law on June 1, 2008; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such state on or before June 1, 2008. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on January 4, 1975; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to state (grandfather) law. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the NHS, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower state weight limits; or (2) a state allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the NHS that could be so operated lawfully on June 1, 2008.

Date: 4/1/2009
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Damaged Vehicle Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to issue a regulation to require persons who terminate a motor vehicle contract due to flood or water damage, collision, fire damage, theft and recovery, or any circumstance that adversely affects the fair market value of the vehicle to disclose information of such vehicle damage to the public.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Traffic Stops Along the Border Statistics Study Act of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a nationwide study of stops for traffic violations by law enforcement officers; (2) perform an initial analysis of existing data, including complaints alleging and information concerning traffic stops motivated by race and other bias; and (3) gather specified data from a nationwide sample of jurisdictions, including the traffic infraction alleged to have been committed that led to the stop, identifying characteristics of the driver stopped, whether immigration status was questioned, and whether any warning or citation was issued as a result of the stop. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to law enforcement agencies to collect and submit data collected under this Act to the appropriate agency as designated by the Attorney General. Prohibits information released from revealing the identity of any individual who is stopped or any officer involved.

Date: 2011-01-07
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to withhold a graduated percentage of federal-aid highway funds of states for FY2014 and thereafter that do not enact or enforce a law that requires the annual inspection of registered motor vehicles so that they meet or exceed state motor vehicle standards (including the operability of vehicle seatbelts and speedometers).

Date: 2011-01-07
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2011 or TIFIA of 2011 - Revises terms of secured loans and lines of credit used to finance certain transportation infrastructure projects to increase the maximum loan amount for such projects from the lesser of 33% to the lesser of 49% of the eligible project costs or, if the loan does not receive an investment grade rating, the amount of the senior project obligations. Increases the total amount of the line of credit for such projects from 33% to 49% of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs. Declares that, in the event of the obligor's bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation, a direct loan from the Secretary of Transportation for an infrastructure project shall not be subordinated to the claims of any holder of project obligations entered into after (not including such obligations issued to refund prior project obligations), or not contemplated by the parties at the time, the Secretary's agreement to provide the line of credit is entered into. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2016 for such projects.

Date: 2011-01-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration from requiring the replacement of street and highway signs that are in upper case letters with signs that are in mixed case lettering with the initial letter in upper case followed by lower case lettering.

Date: 2011-01-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 200,000 to 500,000 the limit on the number of new qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles that may be manufactured for purposes of the phase-out of the tax credit for such vehicles.

Date: 2011-01-26
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Highway Fairness and Reform Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), beginning with FY2011, to carry out a direct federal-aid highway program to permit a state governor or chief executive officer, at least 90 days before the beginning of a fiscal year, to elect to: (1) waive the state's right to receive apportioned or allocated funds under the federal-aid highway program, and (2) receive instead a prorated amount of the taxes appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund (other than for the Mass Transit Account) which are attributable to highway users in the state. Requires a pro rata reduction of such tax-equivalent amount in order to fund contract authority for programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Requires the Secretary to accept a state's election if: (1) the state has an interstate maintenance program; (2) it submits a plan describing the purposes, projects, and uses to which such amounts will be put and the federal-aid highway programmatic requirements the state elects to continue; (3) the state agrees to obligate program amounts exclusively for projects that would be eligible for surface transportation program funding; and (4) it continues to suballocate surface transportation program funds to urbanized and other areas using certain formulae and rules.

Date: 2011-02-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Highway Markings Act of 2011 - Prescribes standards for glass beads used in pavement markings, limiting the arsenic or lead content to 200 parts per million. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to 5% of the apportionment of federal-aid highway funds for any state that fails to enforce requirements to ensure that glass beads used in pavement markings on or along federal-aid highway roads or highways do not contain more than 200 parts per million arsenic or lead.

Date: 2011-02-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works