zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Eastern North Carolina Gateway Act of 2016

This bill amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, as amended, to declare as high priority corridors on the National Highway System as well as segments of the Interstate System:

 U.S. Route 264 from its intersection with U.S. Route 64 (High Priority Corridor 13) near Zebulon, North Carolina, to Greenville, North Carolina; and the Eastern North Carolina Gateway Corridor from U.S. Route 70 (High Priority Corridor 82) in the vicinity of Kinston, North Carolina, passing in the vicinity of Greenville, North Carolina, to U.S. 64 (High Priority Corridor 13) in the vicinity of Bethel, North Carolina, and generally along the routes of U.S. Route 13 and North Carolina Highway 11.

Date: 2016-09-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Transit Tax Credit Act of 2016 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for commuting mass transit costs. The credit is equal to 15% of the amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the year for a transit pass that the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a dependent uses for travel between the residence and place of employment of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. The credit allowed for transit passes for any individual may not exceed $460 per year (adjusted for inflation after 2017).

Date: 2016-09-26
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act of 2016

This bill revises the methodology for apportioning federal highway funds among states. Specifically, the bill adjusts each state's apportionment based not only on certain tax payments attributable to highway users in the state, but also on other federal taxes collected in the state. The bill also caps the apportionment that each state may receive.

Date: 2016-09-27
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to include the following named areas as part of the high priority Central Texas Corridor of the National Highway System in Texas:

 certain routes in the Corridor and the I-14 system in Texas, beginning in the vicinity of State Highway 338 in Odessa, Texas, running eastward concurrent with Interstate 20, connecting to State Highway 158 in the vicinity of Midland, Texas, then following State Highway 158 eastward to US 87 and then following US 87 southeastward, passing in the vicinity of San Angelo, and connecting to US 190 in the vicinity of Brady, Texas; US 83 southward from the vicinity of Eden, Texas, to a logical connection to Interstate 10 at Junction, Texas; US 96 from I-10 at Beaumont, Texas, north to US 84 in the vicinity of Tenaha, Texas; and US 69 from I-10 at Beaumont north to US 59 in the vicinity of Lufkin, Texas. The Corridor shall not include the section of US 190 from I-10 in Pecos County to Brady in McCullough County, Texas.

Date: 2016-12-02
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Terminates the program for redesign and issuance of circulating $1 coins honoring each of the Presidents of the United States (Presidential $1 Coin Program).

Date: 2015-01-07
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act 

 Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) from providing a grant or any funds to a state, county, town, township, Indian tribe, municipality, or other local government for any program to: (1) check motorcycle helmet use, or (2) create motorcycle checkpoints that specifically target motorcycle operators or motorcycle passengers.

Date: 2015-01-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Conscience Protection Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against the federal government and state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion. Health care providers include health care professionals, health care facilities, social services providers, health care professional training programs, and health insurers.

The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on an individual's religious belief, moral conviction, or refusal to be involved in an abortion.

DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity.

Date: 2015-01-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Idaho Safe and Efficient Vehicle Act of 2015

 Prohibits application of federal weight limitations to a longer combination vehicle operating on a segment of the Interstate System in Idaho if it: (1) has a gross vehicle weight of 129,000 pounds or less; and (2) complies with certain single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula weight limits.

Date: 2015-02-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Repairing Every Car to Avoid Lost Lives Act or the RECALL Act

This bill declares that a state is in compliance with safety recall requirements if the state agency responsible for motor vehicle registration ensures, by a motor vehicle identification number search of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall database, that each registered owner of a motor vehicle registered in the state is notified of all recalls issued by the vehicle's manufacturer by certain deadlines, depending on when the vehicle is registered.

A state must also require that owners complete all recall remedies as a prerequisite for motor vehicle registration renewal, with the following exceptions:

 the owner had not been notified of the recall before being notified of the need to renew; the manufacturer, through a local dealership, has not given the owner reasonable opportunity to complete a recall remedy because of a shortage of parts or qualified labor; or the owner demonstrates to the state that he or she has not had reasonable opportunity to complete the recall remedies, in which case the state may grant a temporary registration for 60 days during which time the owner must complete the recall remedies. The Secretary of Transportation shall withhold 5% of federal highway funds from a state that is not in compliance with these requirements.

Date: 2015-03-02
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Autocycle Safety Act

This bill defines "autocycle" as a motor vehicle with three wheels, an enclosed occupant compartment, and a steering wheel, which meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Specified interim automotive and motorcycle safety standards apply to autocycles until at most three years after enactment of this Act, by which time the Secretary of Transportation shall issue appropriate final rules, interpretations, and test procedures.

Automotive fuel standards also apply to autocyles.

Date: 2015-03-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Drug Free Commercial Driver Act of 2015 

 (Sec. 2) This bill revises regulations that require motor carriers to conduct preemployment, reasonable suspicion, random, and post-accident testing of commercial motor vehicle operators for controlled substances or alcohol.

Motor carriers may use hair testing as an acceptable alternative to urinalysis for detecting use of controlled substances by individuals, but only for preemployment testing and random testing.

The Department of Transportation shall develop requirements for laboratories and testing procedures for controlled substances that include mandatory guidelines that establish, among other things, laboratory protocols and cut-off levels for hair testing to detect the use of such substances.

(Sec. 3) A motor carrier that demonstrates it can carry out a hair testing program consistent with generally accepted industry standards may apply to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for exemption from mandatory urinalysis testing. Requires the FMCSA, in evaluating an application for this exemption, to determine if the applicant's testing program employs procedures and protections similar to those of fleets that have carried out hair testing programs for at least one year.

 A testing program may not receive an exemption unless the testing laboratories: have obtained laboratory accreditation specific to hair testing from an accrediting body, compliant with international or other federal standards, such as the College of American Pathologists; and utilize hair testing assays that have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Any motor carrier granted an exemption must submit records of all positive hair test results and test refusals to the national clearinghouse for records relating to alcohol and controlled substances testing of commercial motor vehicle operators.

(Sec. 4) The Department of Health and Human Services shall issue scientific and technical guidelines for hair testing as a method for detecting the use of controlled substances.

Date: 2015-03-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Intermountain West Corridor Development Act of 2015

This bill amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate as a high priority corridor on the National Highway System, as part of Interstate Route I-11, the Intermountain West Corridor from the vicinity of Las Vegas, Nevada, extending:

 north along U.S. Route 95, terminating at Interstate Route 80; and south from the vicinity of Wickenburg to Interstate Route 10 and continuing south toward the Tucson vicinity to the Nogales, Arizona, region; and establishing an international trade corridor by employing Interstates in existence on the date of enactment of this Act or new alignments to be determined through appropriate studies.

Date: 2015-03-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2015 

 Prohibits a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle (except a vehicle operated exclusively on rail or rails) containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. Prescribes civil penalties for persons who knowingly violate such prohibition.

Date: 2015-03-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Animals
Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act

Prohibits a dealer from selling or leasing a used passenger motor vehicle until a defect of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment or noncompliance with a federal motor vehicle safety standard has been remedied.

Date: 2015-04-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Transport for Horses Act

 Prohibits a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle (except a vehicle operated exclusively on rail or rails) containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. Prescribes civil penalties for persons who knowingly violate such prohibition.

Date: 2015-04-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
ROV In-Depth Examination Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill denies the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) authority to establish recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) performance or configuration standards, or to require ROV manufacturers to provide performance and technical data to prospective purchasers and to the first purchaser of an ROV for purposes other than resale, until the study required by this bill is completed.

The CPSC shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to complete within two years after enactment of this bill a study of the lateral stability and vehicle handling requirements proposed by the CPSC in a notice of proposed rulemaking published on November 19, 2014. Such study shall determine:

 the technical validity of such proposed requirements for reducing the risk of ROV off-road rollovers, and whether there is a technical basis for the proposal to provide information on a point-of-sale hangtag about a vehicle's rollover resistance on a progressive scale. The CPSC must consider the results of the study in any subsequent rulemaking regarding the performance or configuration of ROVs or the provision of point-of-sale information regarding ROV performance.

If the CPSC is unable to enter into an acceptable agreement for the study with NAS within a specified time frame, it shall seek to enter into such agreement with another appropriate organization that is not part of the government, that operates as a not-for-profit entity, and that has expertise and objectivity comparable to NAS.

Date: 2015-04-22
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2015

 Authorizes a rental company that receives a notification (approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) from the manufacturer of a covered rental vehicle about any equipment defect, or noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, to rent or sell the vehicle or equipment only if the defect or noncompliance is remedied.

Specifies any rental vehicle: (1) rated at 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less, (2) rented without a driver for an initial term of under 4 months, and (3) that is part of a motor vehicle fleet of 5 or more motor vehicles used for rental purposes by a rental company.

Prescribes a special rule to require rental companies to comply with specified limitations on sale, lease, or rental of a motor vehicle as soon as practicable, but within 24 hours after the earliest receipt of the manufacturer's notification of a defect or noncompliance with vehicle safety standards, whether by electronic means or first class mail. Extends the 24-hour deadline for complying with such limitations to 48 hours if the notification covers more than 5,000 motor vehicles in the rental company's fleet.

Permits a rental company to rent (but not sell or lease) a motor vehicle subject to recall if the defect or noncompliance remedy is not immediately available and the company takes any actions specified in the notice to alter the vehicle temporarily to eliminate the safety risk posed.

Makes these special rules for rental companies inapplicable to junk automobiles.

Prohibits a rental company from knowingly making inoperable any safety devices or elements of design installed on or in a compliant motor vehicle or vehicle equipment unless the company reasonably believes the vehicle or equipment will not be used when the devices or elements are inoperable.

Authorizes the Secretary, upon request, to inspect records of a rental company with respect to a safety investigation. Authorizes the Secretary to require a rental company to keep records or make reports for purposes of compliance with federal motor vehicle safety orders or regulations.

Authorizes the Secretary to study the effectiveness of the amendments made by this Act and of other activities of rental companies.

Amends the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) to require the mandatory study of the safety of rental trucks during a specified seven-year period to evaluate the completion of safety recall remedies on rental trucks.

Directs the Secretary to solicit comments regarding the implementation of this Act from members of the public, including rental companies, consumer organizations, automobile manufacturers, and automobile dealers.

Declares that nothing in this Act shall: (1) be construed to create or increase any liability for a manufacturer who manufactures or imports a motor vehicle that is subject to defect or noncompliance recall requirements; or (2) supersede or otherwise affect the contractual obligations, if any, between such manufacturer and a rental company.

Date: 2015-04-30
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Strengthening America's Bridges Act

This bill establishes in the Treasury the Strengthening America's Bridges Fund to furnish amounts to the Department of Transportation to make grants to states for the repair or maintenance of any bridges classified as deficient in the National Bridge Inventory.

The Internal Revenue Code is amended with respect to the requirement that taxpayers claiming the refundable portion of the child tax credit include on their tax returns the name and taxpayer identification number (e.g., Social Security number) of their qualifying child. Any such credit is disallowed to any taxpayer that fails to include such a name and tax identification number on his or her tax return.

Amounts equivalent to the increase in revenues from this child tax credit amendment are appropriated to the Fund for such grants.

Date: 2015-05-11
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Route to Opportunity And Development Act of 2015 or the ROAD Act of 2015

 Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, as amended, to revise the high priority Raleigh-Norfolk Corridor of the National Highway System between Raleigh, North Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia, to include Rocky Mount, Williamston, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Date: 2015-05-14
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015

This bill amends the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 to extend through July 31, 2015, the authorization, including authorized amount of appropriations, for:

 federal-aid highway programs generally, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highway safety programs, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration programs. The authorization of appropriations for programs under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act is also extended through July 31, 2015.

The bill extends through the same date the authorization and apportionment of appropriations for formula grants, including those for rural areas, public transportation, and bus and bus facilities.

Appropriations are authorized through that date for hazardous materials emergency preparedness and training grants.

Expenditure authorities of the Internal Revenue Code are also extended through July 31, 2015, for the Highway, Sport Fish Restoration and Boating, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Funds.

Date: 2015-05-14
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Support for Bridges Act

This bill decreases from 63.7% to 49% the amount of a state's base apportionment of federal-aid highway funds slated for the national highway performance program. The bill also increases from 29.3% to 44% the state's apportionment for the surface transportation program (including federal-aid highway bridge construction and rehabilitation).

A state's obligation to commit for off-system bridges a specified amount of its apportionment of surface transportation block grant program funds shall continue for FY2016 and each ensuing fiscal year.

Date: 2015-05-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
State Transportation Flexibility Act 

 Allows a state to elect not to participate in the federal-aid highway program, including any federal highway program under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users or the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation , beginning in FY2015, to carry out a direct federal-aid highway program to permit a state legislature, at least 90 days before the beginning of a fiscal year, to elect to:

 waive the state's right to receive apportioned or allocated funds under the federal-aid highway program, and receive a prorated amount of 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 and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Requires the state making an election to:

 agree to maintain the Interstate System in accordance with the current Interstate System program; submit 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; and agree to obligate program amounts exclusively for projects that would be eligible for surface transportation program funding. Directs the Secretary to carry out a similar alternative funding program for public transportation programs.

Date: 2015-05-20
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Improving Driver Safety Act of 2015

This bill adds a new requirement for distracted driving grants to states under national priority highway safety programs. To receive a grant a state's prohibition on texting while driving must:

 include distracted driving issues as part of their driver's license examination, and not make an exception that specifically allows a driver, especially one under age 18, to text through a personal wireless communication device while stopped in traffic. DOT may use up to 50% of amounts available for grants to states that:

 in FY2016 certify that they have enacted a basic text messaging statute for drivers of all ages, make violation of the statute a primary offense, participate in the annual distracted driving law enforcement mobilization, and are otherwise ineligible for a grant; and in FY2017 meet the aforementioned requirements, impose increased fines for repeat violations, and have a statute that prohibits a driver younger than 18 from using a personal wireless communications device while driving. States may use grant funds for:

 enforcement of distracted driving laws, and highway safety program projects. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall report to Congress on any legal and technical barriers to capturing data on the prevalence of the use of wireless communications devices while driving, including recommendations on how to address those barriers.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Building Better Trucks Act

This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to revise the advanced technology vehicle manufacturing incentive program, which provides loans to support the production of fuel-efficient, advanced technology vehicles and qualifying components in the United States. The program is expanded by allowing manufacturers of certain fuel-efficient, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (trucks) to qualify for loans. The amount charged as the fee to cover administrative costs is revised.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Energy
Transportation and Logistics Hiring Reform Act

This bill establishes a national hiring standard for motor carriers.

The bill defines an"entity" as a person acting as:

 a shipper or a consignee; a broker, a freight forwarder, or a household goods freight forwarder; a non-vessel-operating common carrier, an ocean freight forwarder, or an ocean transportation intermediary; an indirect air carrier authorized to operate under a Standard Security Program approved by the Transportation Security Administration; a federally licensed customs broker; an interchange motor carrier; or a warehouse. Before tendering a shipment, but not more than 35 days before the pickup of a shipment by the hired motor carrier, an entity shall verify that the carrier:

 is registered with and authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate as a motor carrier or household goods motor carrier; has the minimum insurance coverage required by federal law; and does not have an unsatisfactory safety fitness rating issued by the FMCSA. Only evidence of an entity's compliance with this Act may be admitted as evidence in a civil action for damages resulting from a claim of negligent selection or retention of such motor carrier against the entity. No other motor carrier data created or maintained by the FMCSA, including safety measurement system data or analysis of such data, may be admitted in a case or proceeding in which it is asserted or alleged that an entity's selection or retention of a motor carrier was negligent.

The Secretary of Transportation shall promulgate safety fitness determination regulations that update and revise the standards for establishing an unsatisfactory safety rating for motor carriers. In the regulations promulgated, the Secretary shall determine if a carrier is not fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle in or affecting interstate commerce.

 All commercial carriers shall comply with all applicable federal laws pertaining to safety.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Pedestrian Safety Act of 2015

 This bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a final rule that: (1) establishes standards for the hood and bumper areas of motor vehicles, including passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less, in order to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities suffered by pedestrians who are struck by such vehicles; and (2) considers the protection of vulnerable pedestrian populations, including children and older adults.

The bill amends federal-aid highway provisions to include: (1) pedestrian hybrid beacons and roadway improvements that provide separation between pedestrians and motor vehicles, including pedestrian sidewalks and crossing islands, among projects for which the federal share payable is 100%; and (2) safety public awareness campaigns within the definition of "highway safety improvement project."

Date: 2015-05-22
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Safety Technology Investment Flexibility Act of 2015

This bill makes eligible for funding under the National Highway Performance Program, the Surface Transportation Program, and the Highway Safety Improvement Program projects for the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment.

"Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment" means equipment that provides a wireless exchange of critical safety and operational data between highway infrastructure and vehicles in order to avoid or mitigate vehicle collisions and enable a wide range of other safety, mobility, and environmental benefits.

Date: 2015-06-03
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safety Through Informed Consumers Act of 2015

 Revises passenger motor vehicle information program requirements.

Directs the Department of Transportation to ensure that passenger motor vehicle crash avoidance information is provided next to, and in the same format as, crashworthiness information at each place that the latter is made available to the public.

Date: 2015-06-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Trucking Rules Updated by Comprehensive and Key Safety Reform Act or the TRUCK Safety Reform Act

This bill requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): (1) at least every five years, to conduct a comprehensive review of its rules, regulations, regulatory guidance, and enforcement policies; and (2) within 24 months after completion of each review, to amend its regulations and enforcement policies to ensure that they are consistent and uniform. If the FMCSA determines that guidance it has issued has not been incorporated into a regulation, such guidance shall cease to be effective 24 months after the conclusion of such review unless FMCSA reissues it.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall publish in the Federal Register on the date of issuance all newly issued or reissued regulatory guidance and interpretations regarding commercial motor vehicle safety regulations.

The FMCSA shall conduct a formal notice and comment process when issuing medical guidance but may use informal rulemaking when issuing medical guidance that is directly related to a public health emergency.

The FMCSA: (1) when analyzing the impact of regulations and enforcement policies, shall specify how it will evaluate future rules and shall allow stakeholders to comment on why performance-based targets would be preferable to a proposed regulation; and (2) before promulgating any new regulation, shall include within its cost-benefit analysis a wider selection and scope of motor carriers.

The FMCSA, before promulgating a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that is reasonably likely to lead to the promulgation of a major rule, shall:

 issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that identifies the compelling public concern for a potential regulatory action and requests public comment on alternatives; determine whether a negotiated rulemaking is necessary; or otherwise publish a request for comment in the Federal Register. The FMCSA shall:

 respond to all statutory requirements for rulemaking; prioritize stakeholder petitions based on the likelihood of safety improvements; formally respond to a petition within six months after it is submitted; and post and maintain an inventory of all petitions received, including information about their disposition, on a publicly accessible website.

Date: 2015-06-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Commercial Driver Act

This bill directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish a test program to allow states to enter into interstate compacts with contiguous states, approved by the governor of each state, to standardize the requirements for drivers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

A commercial driver's license issued by one state participating in a compact shall be recognized as valid in every state participating in the compact.

Nothing in this Act may be construed to limit or change the authority to operate in interstate commerce for drivers over age 21, including by setting the minimum age requirement to receive a Class A commercial driver's license at age 18.

Date: 2015-06-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill revises federal vehicle length limitations to prohibit states from prescribing or enforcing a regulation that imposes an overall length limitation of less than 82 feet on a towaway trailer transporter combination operating on any segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and qualifying federal-aid primary system highways.

The bill defines "trailer transporter towing unit" as a power unit not used to carry property when operating in a towaway trailer transporter combination.

The bill defines "towaway trailer transporter combination" as a combination of vehicles consisting of a trailer transporter towing unit and two trailers or semitrailers:

 with a total combined weight not exceeding 26,000 pounds; and which carry no property and constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor or dealer of such trailers or semitrailers.

Date: 2015-06-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Research of Alcohol Detection Systems for Stopping Alcohol-Related Fatalities Everywhere Act of 2015 or the ROADS SAFE Act of 2015

This bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to: (1) carry out a collaborative research effort to continue to explore the feasibility and the potential benefits of, and public policy challenges associated with, more widespread deployment of in-vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving; and (2) report annually to Congress.

Date: 2015-06-25
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Tire Efficiency, Safety, and Registration Act of 2015 or the TESR Act 

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish tire fuel efficiency minimum performance standards, tire registration requirements, and a tire recall database.

DOT must establish:

 tire fuel efficiency minimum performance standards for passenger car tires that meet specified requirements, and tire wet traction minimum performance standards to ensure that passenger tire wet traction capability is not reduced to achieve improved tire fuel efficiency. DOT must require tire distributors or dealers that are not owned or controlled by a tire manufacturer to maintain records that include the names and addresses of customers and the tires that are leased or purchased. The distributors or dealers must electronically transmit the records to the tire manufacturers at no cost to the customers.

DOT must also establish a publicly available and searchable electronic database of tire recall information that is reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The database must be searchable by Tire Identification Number and any other criteria that assist consumers in determining whether a tire is subject to a recall.

Date: 2015-07-09
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to permit a state transportation department to approve a justification report for a project to build or modify a freeway-to-crossroad interchange on the Interstate Highway System within a transportation management area in such state.

Date: 2015-07-15
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Security and Privacy in Your Car Act of 2015 or the SPY Car Act of 2015

This bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a rulemaking to issue motor vehicle cybersecurity regulations that require motor vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States to protect against unauthorized access to: (1) electronic controls or driving data, including information about the vehicle's location, speed, owner, driver, or passengers; or (2) driving data collected by electronic systems built into a vehicle while that data is stored onboard the vehicle, in transit from the vehicle to another location, or subsequently stored or used off-board the vehicle. The regulations must require vehicles with accessible data or control signals to be capable of detecting, reporting, and stopping attempts to intercept such driving data or control the vehicle.

A violator is liable to the U.S. government for a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation.

 NHTSA must also conduct a rulemaking to require the fuel economy labeling that manufacturers attach to motor vehicles to display a "cyber dashboard" with a standardized graphic to inform consumers about the extent to which the vehicle protects individuals' cybersecurity and privacy beyond the minimum requirements.

The Federal Trade Commission is required to conduct a rulemaking to: (1) require motor vehicles to notify owners or lessees about the collection, transmission, retention, and use of driving data; (2) provide owners or lessees with the option to terminate such data collection and retention (except onboard safety systems required for post-incident investigations, emissions, crash avoidance, and other regulatory compliance programs) without losing navigation tools or other features; and (3) prohibit manufacturers from using collected information for advertising or marketing purposes without the owner's or lessee's consent. Violations are to be treated as unfair and deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Date: 2015-07-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill requires the Department of Transportation to make grants to assist eligible recipients in financing capital projects to maintain bus and bus facilities systems in a state of good repair, including projects to: (1) replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment; and (2) construct bus-related facilities.

Eligible recipients are designated recipients that operate bus service or that allocate funding to bus operators. Grant recipients may: (1) allocate amounts to subrecipients that are public agencies or private nonprofit organizations engaged in public transportation, and (2) obligate funds for three fiscal years after the fiscal year in which the amount is appropriated.

The bill limits to 4% the percentage of funding made available for this Act in a fiscal year that may be provided to a single recipient.

Date: 2015-07-21
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill modifies the formula that the Department of Transportation uses to apportion federal highway funds among the states for the national highway performance program, the surface transportation program, the highway safety improvement program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and metropolitan transportation planning.

Date: 2015-09-30
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill modifies the existing authority for the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company to maintain and operate a toll bridge across the Rio Grande River near Rio Grande City, Texas.

The authority, which currently expires 66 years after completion of the bridge (in 1966), is made permanent and expanded to include the successors or assigns of the company. The bridge must not consist of more than 14 lanes.

The company and its successors and assigns shall have the rights and privileges granted by federal law to the B and P Bridge Company, and may use eminent domain to acquire certain land needed for the bridge, subject to Texas laws and requirements for just compensation and public proceedings.

The company's successors and assigns may fix and charge tolls for transit over the bridge.

Those successors and assigns may also sell, assign, transfer, or mortgage the rights, powers, and privileges conferred on the company by the enacting law, to any public agency, to an international bridge authority or commission, or to a corporation.

Any such corporation may exercise such rights, powers, and privileges (including acquisition by mortgage foreclosure) as if they had been granted by the enacting law directly to the corporation.

Date: 2015-10-06
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Strengthen And Fortify Existing Bridges Act of 2015 or the SAFE Bridges Act of 2015 

 This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish a program to assist states to rehabilitate or replace bridges found to be structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, or fracture critical.

States shall use apportioned program funds for projects to rehabilitate and replace such bridges.

The federal share of project costs is 100%.

Date: 2015-11-05
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program Improvement Act

This bill revises requirements for any written agreement under the surface transportation project delivery program that a state makes with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to assume responsibilities assigned by DOT with respect to one or more highway projects within the state under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Such an agreement shall emphasize that the state is solely responsible and liable for carrying out DOT responsibilities, including the defense of any civil action, without further DOT approval, under the program.

DOT shall:

 audit a participating state annually (currently, semiannually) for the first two as well as the last two years of the first four years of a state's particiaption; meet with the state to review implementation of its assignment agreement, and discuss plans for the first annual audit, within 180 days after execution of the agreement; and ensure that the time period for completing an annual audit, from initiation to completion (including public comment and responses to those comments), does not exceed 180 days. DOT shall also determine the team to carry out an audit, which shall include at least one member the state designates (who may have relevant expertise and experience and not be an employee of either the state or DOT).

 In cooperation with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, DOT shall carry out education, training, peer exchange, and other initiatives to:

 assist states in developing the capacity to participate in the assignment program, and promote information sharing and collaboration among states participating in the program.

Date: 2015-11-09
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to change the country of origin labeling implementation date from September 30, 2008, to September 30, 2007.

Date: 2007-01-09
Topic: Agriculture (Trade)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Agricultural Export Facilitation Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSREEA of 2000) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize, under a general license, certain travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with: (1) sales and marketing activities, including organization and participation in product exhibitions; and (2) sea or air transportation of products. Authorizes a consular official to issue a temporary tourist/business visa for a Cuban national (who is not otherwise inadmissible) whose itinerary documents an intent to conduct activities, including phytosanitary inspections, related to purchasing U.S. agricultural goods under the provisions of TSREEA of 2000. Defines "payment in cash" with respect to certain prohibitions on financing of U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba. Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under TSREEA of 2000.

Date: 2007-02-13
Topic: Agriculture (Trade)
Subject: International affairs
Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act or EAT Healthy America Act - Amends provisions with respect to: (1) specialty crops; (2) the tree assistance program; (3) the conservation reserve program; (4) the wetlands reserve program; (5) the farmland protection program; (6) the grassland reserve program; (7) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (8) the environmental qualities incentives program; (9) air quality improvement; (10) integrated pest management initiative; (11) the conservation loan guarantee program; (12) agricultural trade; (13) invasive pests and diseases; (14) nutrition; (15) agricultural research; (16) renewable energy, including crop biomass waste; and (17) farm labor housing.

Date: 2007-03-20
Topic: Agriculture (Trade)
Subject: Agriculture and food
United States Specialty Crop Export Opportunities Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate plants, plant products, biological control organisms, and noxious weeds for export purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) coordinate fruit and vegetable market analyses with the private sector and the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service; and (2) make publicly available on an Internet website the status of all export petitions and an explanation of the sanitary or phytosanitary issues associated with each pending export petition, and information on the import requirements of foreign countries for fruits and vegetables. Amends the Homeland Security Act to repeal the transfer of agricultural import and entry inspection functions from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service the international agricultural inspection program to carry out import and entry agricultural inspections; (2) a federal-state agricultural inspection communications system; (3) the International Trade Inspection Advisory Committee; and (4) a special export credit guarantee program. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend: (1) the promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets program; and (2) the E. (Kika) de la Garza Agricultural Fellowship program.

Date: 2007-03-27
Topic: Agriculture (Trade)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Competitive and Fair Agricultural Markets Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967 to define specified terms. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Office of Special Counsel for Competition Matters, which shall be headed by a Special Counsel for Competition Matters. States that the Office shall: (1) investigate and prosecute violations of this Act and the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921; (2) serve as a liaison between the Department and the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector; and (3) maintain a staff of attorneys and other appropriate professionals. Prohibits unfair or deceptive agricultural commerce acts or practices respecting: (1) crops; (2) producer associations; and (3) agricultural production and marketing contracts. Sets forth agricultural and production contract and enforcement provisions. Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to eliminate the "slaughter" requirement from the definitions of "poultry grower," "poultry growing arrangement," and "live poultry dealer." States that the term "poultry grower" does not include an employee of such grower. Extends: (1) administrative enforcement authority to live poultry dealers; and (2) temporary injunction or restraining order authority to instances of poultry care. Increases the maximum civil penalty for violations by live poultry dealers. States that it shall be an unlawful practice to engage in an unfair or discriminatory practice or device or to control or manipulate prices regardless of whether the practice, device, or course of business causes a competitive injury or otherwise adversely effects competition, and regardless of any alleged business justification.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Agriculture (Trade)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported clementines to applicable domestic grade, size, quality, or maturity requirements.

Date: 2007-05-08
Topic: Agriculture (Trade)
Subject: Agriculture and food