zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highways funds in any fiscal year after FY2009 if such state does not require verifiable evidence of lawful presence in the United States or its territories from each applicant for a driver's license or personal identification card issued by the state. Grandfathers states that have such a requirement in effect before the later of: (1) October 1, 2009; or (2) 10 days after the end of the first session the state's legislature convenes after enactment of this Act. Redistributes withheld funds to states that satisfy the requirements of this Act.

Date: 2007-11-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a gasoline excise tax refund for certain mobile machinery vehicles which use more than 50% of their fuel in non-propulsive operations.

Date: 2007-12-03
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Border Wait Times Study Act - Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation to study, and report the results to Congress on, the traffic patterns of commercial and passenger vehicles that enter and exit U.S. international land ports along the northern and southern borders; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce to study, and report the results to Congress on, the negative economic impact, if any, on U.S. wait times at such ports.

Date: 2007-12-06
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highways funds in any fiscal year after FY2009 if such state does not require verifiable evidence of lawful presence in the United States or its territories from each applicant for a driver's license or personal identification card issued by the state. Grandfathers states that have such a requirement in effect before the later of: (1) October 1, 2009; or (2) 10 days after the end of the first session the state's legislature convenes after enactment of this Act. Redistributes withheld funds to states that satisfy the requirements of this Act.

Date: 2008-03-05
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Recapture Excess Profits and Invest in Road (REPAIR) Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose in 2008 or 2009 an excise tax of 25% on the windfall profits of integrated oil companies and other producers and refiners of crude oil (crude oil condensates and natural gasoline) with gross receipts over $1 billion. Allows a tax deduction for the payment of the windfall profit tax imposed by this Act. Requires the transfer of windfall profit tax revenues to the Highway Trust Fund.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Recapture Excess Profits and Invest in Roads and Rail (REPAIR) Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose in 2008 or 2009 an excise tax of 25% on the windfall profits of integrated oil companies and other producers and refiners of crude oil (crude oil condensates and natural gasoline) with gross receipts over $1 billion. Allows a tax deduction for the payment of the windfall profit tax imposed by this Act. Requires the transfer of windfall profit tax revenues to the Highway Trust Fund.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Trust in Reliable Understanding of Consumer Costs Act, or the TRUCC Act - Amends federal transportation law to require certain fuel costs disclosures and fuel costs reimbursements by a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder providing or arranging truckload transportation or service using fuel for which it does not bear the cost. Requires such a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to: (1) reimburse persons (truckers) that do bear fuel costs for any such costs they have paid; and (2) give such persons a written list that identifies any freight charge, brokerage fee or commission, fuel surcharge or adjustment, and any other charges. Prohibits any person from causing a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to present false or misleading information on a document or in an oral representation about the actual rate, charge, or allowance to any party to the transaction or transportation.

Date: 2008-04-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to redescribe the high priority highway project to widen Lapalco Boulevard from Barataria Boulevard to Destrehan Avenue in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, as one for Lapalco Boulevard improvements in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

Date: 2008-05-07
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Truck Operations and Preservation Act - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (including a trailer or semi-trailer, except one used exclusively for fire-fighting) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless its operation is authorized by the state on June 1, 2003, 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 with a special state permit that cannot be dismantled or divided easily) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding 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, 2003; 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, 2003. 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 more than one year after enactment of this Act, 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 the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to state (grandfather) law. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to waive or limit vehicle weight limits during periods of national emergency. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to those operating 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, 2003.

Date: 2008-05-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Military Family Separation Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008 - Entitles a member of the Armed Forces without dependents, in addition to certain other allowances or per diems, to a monthly allowance if the member is, for over 30 days, on: (1) duty on board a ship away from home port; or (2) temporary duty away from the member's permanent station. Sets the allowance amount at one-half the amount of the monthly allowance under existing family separation allowance provisions. Requires an annual increase in the family separation allowance based on the Consumer Price Index.

Date: 2008-05-22
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice process; and (3) submit to the U.S. attorney a report and proposed plan for addressing such disparities. Requires each U.S. attorney to annually evaluate the efficacy of a plan submitted by an advisory group. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) prepare a comprehensive report on all advisory group plans and submit such report and plans to Congress; and (2) exercise continuing oversight of the criminal justice system to reduce unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities and improve such system.

Date: 2008-07-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Bridge Life Extension Act of 2008 - Allows the Secretary of Transportation to approve federal-aid highway funding for states for bridge reconstruction, replacement, or rehabilitation projects only if the state submits, and the Secretary approves, a corrosion mitigation and prevention plan.

Date: 2008-07-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
First Responders Support Act of 2008 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) increase death and disability benefits for public safety officers; and (2) expand educational benefits for dependents of public safety officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for up to $7,500 of the medical expenses paid or incurred by a public safety officer or a family member for injuries sustained while such officer was performing an official duty.Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to award grants for mental health services or counseling to public safety officers seriously injured in the line of duty and the family members of such officers who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Ensuring Defense Support to Catastrophic Incident Response Act of 2008 - Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake civil support operations in response to catastrophic incidents in the United States.Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to develop comprehensive plans for such operations, including strategies for the use of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserve) and civilian personnel and contractors of DOD; (2) the annual DOD budget to include a separate funding request for carrying out such operations; and (3) the first national security strategy and national defense strategy prepared after the enactment of this Act to include, among other things, DOD roles and responsibilities in responding to catastrophic incidents.

Date: 2008-09-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Rural Opportunity and Development Act or the ROAD Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a rural opportunity and development (ROAD) program to promote opportunity and economic development in rural states through projects for the preservation and improvement of highways.

Date: 2008-10-01
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: 2008-10-01
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make loans to automobile manufacturers or component suppliers that have: (1) operations in the United States, the failure of which would have a systemic adverse effect on the overall U.S. economy or a significant loss of U.S. jobs, as determined by the Secretary; and (2) operated a manufacturing facility for the purpose of producing automobiles or automobile components in the U.S. throughout the 20-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires any automobile manufacturer or component supplier applying for such a loan to submit to the Secretary a detailed plan describing how the requested government funds would: (1) be utilized to ensure the the manufacturer's or supplier's financial viability; (2) stimulate U.S. automobile production; and (3) improve the manufacturer's or supplier's capacity to pursue the timely and aggressive production of energy-efficient advanced technology vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to sell, exercise, or surrender any equity instrument received under this Act. Allows proceeds received from a sale, exercise, or surrender to be credited to the appropriate Government financing account made available to fulfill the advanced technology vehicle manufacturing incentive purpose under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 until the amount loaned under this Act has been repaid. Directs the Secretary to require any loan recipient to meet appropriate standards for executive compensation and corporate governance. Prohibits a loan recipient from using loan funds for any lobbying expenditures or political contributions. Prohibits the payment of common stock dividends by any loan recipient for the duration of the loan. Establishes the Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Oversight Board to review and provide advice concerning the exercise of the authority under this Act. Requires the Secretary, in allocating loan amounts under this Act, to consider the magnitude of the impact of the loan applicant's manufacturing operations in the United States on the overall U.S. economy and other segments of the automobile industry, including levels of employment, domestic manufacturing of automobiles and automobile components, and automobile dealerships. Rescinds the $7.5 billion appropriation for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program Account for the cost of direct loans as authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Appropriates the same amount for the cost of direct loans under this Act. Limits commitments for direct loans using such amount to $25 billion in total loan principal.

Date: 2008-11-20
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Commonsense Auto Recovery Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals and small employers a tax credit for state and local sales taxes paid on the purchase of a passenger motor vehicle (not more than two axles) the purchase price of which does not exceed $50,000. Terminates such credit after 2010.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold a graduated percentage of federal-aid highway funds of states for FY2012 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: 2009-01-07
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2009 - Prohibits a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. Sets forth civil penalties for persons who knowingly violate such prohibition.

Date: 2009-01-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Animals
Get America Moving Again Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the purchase of a new or used passenger vehicle before or during 2010. Requires that such vehicle have a purchase price not exceeding $50,000 and have a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds.

Date: 2009-01-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Highway Trust Fund Reform Act of 2009 - Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to laborers and mechanics working on federal-aid highway construction projects and public transportation construction projects).

Date: 2009-01-26
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the minimum level of sound that is necessary to be emitted from a motor vehicle, or some other method, to alert blind and other pedestrians of the presence of operating motor vehicles while traveling.

Date: 2009-01-28
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: 2009-02-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Keeping America's Freeways Free Act - Prohibits, with a specified exception, the imposition or collection of a toll on any portion of a federal highway facility: (1) that is in existence upon enactment of this Act; and (2) on which no toll is imposed or collected under a tolling provision on such enactment.

Date: 2009-02-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Green Streets Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a demonstration program in which the Secretary shall award grants to up to four states to acquire and assess the feasibility on the use of asphalt produced with asphalt binder made from biomass in federal highway construction projects.

Date: 2009-02-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends commercial motor vehicle safety requirements to exempt drivers of intrastate commercial vehicles engaged in agricultural-related activities from certain federal commercial motor vehicle and operator regulations. Revises weight limits of commercial motor vehicles with respect to federal commercial motor vehicle safety laws to apply such laws to vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater (currently, applies to such vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater, or a lesser gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight, but in any event not less than a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds).

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Damaged Vehicle Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation 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: 2009-03-03
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Allows as an exception to federal weight limits the operation of a tow truck, weighing no more than 150,000 pounds, which removes a disabled vehicle from the Interstate System to a storage or repair facility 100 miles or less from the point where such vehicle becomes disabled.

Date: 2009-03-11
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
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: 2009-03-17
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
New Automobile Voucher Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the New Automobile Voucher Program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) authorize the issuance of a redeemable voucher to a dealer for each person or eligible fleet operator who purchases an eligible new automobile; (2) allow a dealer to participate in the program if it agrees to apply such voucher toward the purchase of an eligible new automobile and complies with all applicable requirements; (3) establish a Web-based system to process vouchers; and (4) make payments to dealers who apply vouchers for such purchases. Defines "eligible new automobile" as a new automobile whose purchase price is less than $50,000. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Date: 2009-03-19
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, semitrailer, 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, semitrailer, 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 the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; 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: 2009-03-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Extends through July 1, 2012, the period a state may allow low emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane highways.

Date: 2009-03-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 - Requires a state, as a condition of receiving federal-aid highway funding, to develop and implement a highway bridge management system that meets certain requirements. Requires a state, in developing and implementing such a system, to: (1) identify corrosion mitigation and prevention methods to preserve its highway bridges; (2) establish a project maintenance program to extend the life of such bridges; (3) ensure that all highway bridge designers, inspectors, and maintenance workers implementing the system are trained and certified in corrosion mitigation and prevention techniques; and (4) research current inspection technologies and techniques for highway bridges.

Date: 2009-03-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 - Allows a state to authorize the operation of a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) in excess of certain federal weight limitations 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 three 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: 2009-03-30
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Clean Car Rebate Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for the purchase of new fuel-efficient passenger motor vehicles. Allows a $1,000 tax credit for vehicles purchased in 2009 that achieve a mile per gallon (mpg) rating of 28, and increases such credit amount to $2,500 for an mpg rating of more than 32. Increases required mpg ratings in 2010 and directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to prescribe mpg ratings for such credit for taxable years beginning after 2010 to achieve specified fuel economy goals by 2015. Terminates such credit after December 31, 2014. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for making advance payments of credit amounts to individuals who purchase vehicles that meet the mpg ratings established by this Act.

Date: 2009-03-31
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2009 or the STANDUP Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award incentive grants to states with graduated driver licensing laws that include, for novice drivers under age 21, a two-stage licensing process before the grant of 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 the use of a cellular phone or other communications device in non-emergency situations, prohibits nighttime driving, and is in effect until commencement of the intermediate stage or when the driver attains age 18 or older; (2) an intermediate stage in effect until the driver attains age 18 or older that commences after expiration of the learner's permit stage, lasts at least six months, prohibits more than one non-familial passenger under age of 21 if there is no licensed driver age 21 or older present in the vehicle, prohibits nighttime driving, and prohibits the use of a cellular phone or other communications device in non-emergency situations; 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: 2009-04-02
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act - Waives federal pre-emption to allow states to regulate tow truck operations performed without the prior consent or authorization of the owner or operator of the towed motor vehicle. (Currently, states are allowed to regulate only the price of for-hire motor vehicle transportation by a tow truck, if such transportation is performed without the prior consent or authorization of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle.)

Date: 2009-04-21
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 2014.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Credit for New Cars Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $3,000 tax credit for the purchase of a qualified motor vehicle through December 31, 2009. Defines "qualified motor vehicle" as a manufactured motor vehicle that complies with emission standards established by the Clean Air Act, that has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds, and that is assembled in the United States. Disqualifies any vehicle that has a fair market value of $40,000 or more.

Date: 2009-04-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Highway Fairness and Reform Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, 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 from 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: 2009-04-28
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: 2009-04-28
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: 2009-04-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
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: 2009-05-14
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Changes from discretionary to mandatory the funding of nondiscrimination requirements for federal-aid highway projects under the surface transportation and bridge programs.

Date: 2009-05-14
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act - Establishes in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a Cash for Clunkers Temporary Vehicle Trade-in Program through which the Secretary of Transportation shall: (1) authorize the issuance of an electronic voucher to offset the purchase or lease price for a new fuel efficient automobile upon the surrender of an eligible trade-in vehicle to a participating dealer; (2) certify dealers for Program participation; (3) make payments to them for vouchers they accept between March 30, 2009, and April 1, 2010; (4) provide for the payment of rebates to qualifying persons; and (5) establish and provide for the enforcement of measures to prevent and penalize fraud under the Program. Prescribes requirements, including combined fuel economy, for $3,500 and $4,500 vouchers to offset the purchase or lease price for a qualifying passenger automobile or truck. Limits the number of vouchers to one per customer, including joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle. Requires a dealer to certify that each eligible trade-in vehicle: (1) will be crushed or shredded, or transferred to an entity that will ensure it will be crushed or shredded, within the period of the Program; and (2) has not been, and will not be, sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of for use as an automobile in the United States or in any other country. Makes any person who purchased or leased a new fuel efficient vehicle after March 30, 2009, and before the enactment of this Act eligible for a cash rebate equivalent to the appropriate voucher amount. Prescribes standards which any regulations issued by the Secretary for the Program must meet. Makes it unlawful for any person to violate this Act or any regulations issued under it, particularly by fraud. Prescribes civil penalties for any such violation. Directs the Secretary to make Program information available on an Internet website and through other means.

Date: 2009-05-21
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: 2009-06-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 - Prohibits any automobile manufacturer in which the federal government has an economic interest from depriving an automobile dealer of its economic rights as they existed prior to the commencement of a bankruptcy case by the manufacturer, including the dealer's rights to recourse under state law. Requires such manufacturers to restore the franchise agreements with dealers that were in effect prior to the bankruptcy case.

Date: 2009-06-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the alternative tax on qualifying shipping activities to treat a corporation electing such tax as continuing to use a qualifying vessel in the U.S. foreign trade during any period of use in the U.S. domestic trade, thus eliminating the 30 day limitation on operating in U.S. domestic trade under current law.

Date: 2009-06-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
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: 2009-07-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to determination of the balances of the Highway Trust Fund September 30, 1998. Replaces the $8.017 billion Restoration of Fund balance appropriation with a $7 billion Increase in Fund balance appropriation (without fiscal year limitation). Amends the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 with respect to advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund under the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor. Removes the FY2010 limitation on the appropriation as well as the specific dollar amount for such advances, replacing them with such appropriations as may be necessary. Increases from $315 billion to $400 billion the maximum loan principal for FY2009 commitments to guarantee single family loans insured under the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMIF) of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Increases from $300 billion to $400 billion the limit on new Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or Ginnie Mae) commitments to issue guarantees under the Mortgage-Backed Securities Loan Guarantee Program.

Date: 2009-07-28
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Orphan Highway Restoration Act - Defines "orphan highway" to mean a highway that: (1) formerly was a U.S. numbered highway; (2) no longer is a principal route for traffic passing through a state; and (3) because of decreased importance to statewide transportation, has received only routine maintenance but needs significant restoration. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) make grants and provide technical assistance to states and local government units to restore orphan highways; and (2) allocate funds to grant recipients for FY2010-FY2015 based on a calculated formula.

Date: 2009-07-31
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Highway Chokepoint Congestion Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) issue regulations to establish a chokepoint congestion relief program; and (2) develop criteria for designating national chokepoint regions in a state. Authorizes the Secretary to make capital improvement grants to states in order to carry out eligible projects that reduce traffic congestion in the national chokepoint regions. Sets forth a formula for the apportioning of grant funds. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) states should adopt both interim and long-term objectives for significantly reducing traffic congestion at chokepoint areas; (2) establishment of performance measures and quantitative goals will allow states to make efficient use of available resources on projects that have the maximum impact in reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility at chokepoint areas; and (3) alleviation of traffic congestion requires Congress to commit to authorizing and funding nonautomotive travel modes as well as travel demand management, growth management, land use, and green infrastructure strategies. Requires the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), through the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the extent to which congestion pricing (including that utilized in London, England, and Stockholm, Sweden) can encourage travelers to drive during off-peak hours, or change their mode of transportation, and can also generate revenue and thus require less tax-based funding.

Date: 2009-10-06
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2010 - Grants a public authority the authority to carry out a program that offers discounts in transportation tolls to individuals who are residents of, or regular commuters to, a U.S. locality on an island, peninsula, or other area where transportation access is substantially constrained by geography and subject to a transportation toll to access or depart the locality (captive tollpayers). Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to: (1) limit any other authority of a public authority, including the authority to offer discounts in transportation tolls to other tollpayers; or (2) affect, alter, or limit the applicability of state or local law with respect to the authority of a public authority to impose toll discounts.

Date: 2009-10-28
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to states that enact laws that prohibit, with certain exceptions, and establish fines for texting and/or handheld cellphone use while driving. Requires a state that receives a grant to allocate: (1) at least 50% to educate and advertise to the public about the dangers of texting or using a cellphone while driving as well as enforce the distracted driving law; and (2) up to 50% for other traffic safety improvement projects. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer a distracted driving national education program with at least two high-visibility education and advertising campaigns. Requires the Secretary to establish a research program to study distracted driving by passenger and commercial vehicle drivers. Directs the the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to Congress on existing and developing wireless communications technology that may be used to reduce problems associated with distracted driving. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices, including cell phones and other distracting devices, by operators of commercial motor vehicles and school buses; and (2) prohibit their use in circumstances where it interferes with the driver's safe operation of the vehicles.

Date: 2009-11-03
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Requires insurance policies of insurers of motor vehicles to provide coverage of bodily injuries due to an accident of at least: (1) $25,000 in liability coverage for injuries to or death of an individual; and (2) $50,000 in total liability coverage for all injuries to or deaths of persons arising from such accident.

Date: 2009-11-16
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway program funds for FY2012-FY2015, and thereafter, if the state has not enacted or is not enforcing a law that prohibits, with specified exceptions, a person from using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion or part of traffic.

Date: 2009-11-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
End Discriminatory State Taxes for Automobile Renters Act of 2009 - Prohibits states or local governments from levying or collecting a discriminatory tax (generally, a tax or tax assessment that is applicable to the rental of motor vehicles or motor vehicle businesses or property, but not to the majority of other rentals of tangible personal property within a state or locality) on the rental of motor vehicles, motor vehicle rental businesses, or motor vehicle rental property.

Date: 2009-12-02
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Bridge Ice and Snow Prevention Pilot Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program authorizing grants to up to five states to conduct projects to evaluate the effectiveness of technologies to prevent ice, snow, and other adverse weather effects associated with freezing temperatures on National Highway System bridges.

Date: 2009-12-16
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2011 the tax deduction for state and local sales or excise taxes imposed on the purchase of a motor home; and (2) revise the definition of "motor home" for purposes of this tax deduction to include a recreation vehicle trailer and a slide-in camper.

Date: 2010-02-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Prevention Act of 2010 - 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: 2010-03-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Drivers Accelerated Interest Deductibility Act of 2010 or the Drivers AID Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income of up to $5,000 for interest paid for the purchase of certain new automobiles or light trucks during periods when the national unemployment rate is 7% or greater.

Date: 2010-03-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation