DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

House Bill

H.R. 851

119th Congress

DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 31, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Joyce Beatty

Representative

Democratic

OH-3

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Summary

This bill creates a National Roadway Safety Advocate position at the Department of Transportation to work with crash victims, survivors, and their families. The advocate would communicate stakeholder recommendations to DOT and submit annual reports on systemic roadway safety issues.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

SponsorJoyce Beatty (D-OH)

Introduced1/31/2025

StatusReferred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

ChamberHouse

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Vote Prediction

DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

This bill creates a National Roadway Safety Advocate position at the Department of Transportation to work with crash victims, survivors, and their families. The advocate would communicate stakeholder recommendations to DOT and submit annual reports on systemic

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

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This bill creates a National Roadway Safety Advocate position at the Department of Transportation to work with crash victims, survivors, and their families. The advocate would communicate stakeholder recommendations to DOT and submit annual reports on systemic roadway safety issues.

Bill Number: 851
Sponsor: Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
Introduced: 1/31/2025
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
Bill Number: 851
Sponsor: Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Introduced: 1/31/2025
Summary: This bill creates a National Roadway Safety Advocate position at the Department of Transportation to work with crash victims, survivors, and their families. The advocate would communicate stakeholder recommendations to DOT and submit annual reports on systemic roadway safety issues.

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill creates a National Roadway Safety Advocate position at the Department of Transportation to work with crash victims, survivors, and their families. The advocate would communicate stakeholder recommendations to DOT and submit annual reports on systemic roadway safety issues.

Last updated: 1/6/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate ActThis bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate to work directly with victims and survivors of road crashes and their families (i.e., stakeholders).Specifically, the purposes of the advocate are to (1) document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to DOT on the needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and accomplishments of DOT's roadway safety programs and activities; and (2) serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders on relevant roadway safety issues.The bill specifies that the advocate position must be filled by a career appointment.The bill prohibits the advocate from taking certain actions, such as<ul><li>creating or authorizing DOT policies, priorities, or activities; or</li><li>disclosing or discussing any enforcement matters that are under investigation or in litigation.</li></ul>The advocate must submit an annual report to DOT highlighting systemic issues relating to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders. The report must include recommendations on how to remedy the issues.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates National Roadway Safety Advocate position at DOT
Serves as contact for crash victims and families
Communicates stakeholder concerns to DOT leadership
Submits annual reports on systemic safety issues
Career appointment independent of political changes

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Families affected by road crashes would have a dedicated federal advocate. Crash survivors could provide direct input on roadway safety programs. DOT would receive annual reports highlighting systemic problems identified by those most affected.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

851, 119th Congress (2025). "DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-851

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