Streamlining State Highway Safety Submissions Act
Summary
The Streamlining State Highway Safety Submissions Act aims to reduce administrative burdens on states by allowing the completion of a triennial management review conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to satisfy triennial highway safety plan submission requirements. This revision applies to highway safety programs under section 402 of title 23, United States Code. The Act seeks to improve efficiency in the highway safety planning process.
By streamlining the submission process, states may be able to allocate resources more effectively to actual safety improvements. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to revise these requirements within 180 days of enactment.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Sheehy and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Expected Effects
This act will likely reduce the administrative workload for state transportation departments. It will allow states to use the NHTSA's triennial management review to fulfill the requirements for triennial highway safety plan submissions. This could lead to more efficient use of state resources, potentially freeing up funds for direct safety improvements.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced administrative burden on state transportation departments.
- Potential for more efficient allocation of state resources.
- Streamlined compliance process for highway safety programs.
- Could lead to quicker implementation of safety measures.
- May encourage more states to actively participate in highway safety programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced oversight if the management review is not as comprehensive as the original submission requirements.
- Risk that some important details may be missed due to the streamlined process.
- Possible inconsistencies in data collection and reporting across states.
- May not address underlying issues in highway safety planning.
- Potential for unintended consequences due to changes in established procedures.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare. The establishment and regulation of highway safety standards fall under this purview. There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or states' rights as defined in the Constitution and its amendments.
The act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms. It focuses on procedural changes to existing regulations, rather than creating new laws that could potentially conflict with constitutional principles.
Furthermore, the act does not delegate legislative power to the executive branch in a way that violates the separation of powers. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to revise existing requirements, rather than granting broad discretionary authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).