What does Preamble of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out certain activities related to surface transportation research, development, and deployment, and for other purposes,' aims to direct the Secretary of Transportation to undertake specific activities. The bill's purpose involves surface transportation research, development, and deployment.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026.

What does TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION PROGRAMS RELATED TO HIGHWAY AND of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section amends subsections of section 503 of title 23, United States Code. The amendment modifies fiscal year ranges for funding. Paragraph (3)(D) changes the funding period from fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Paragraph (4)(I)(i) changes the funding period from fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Paragraph (5)(C) changes the funding period from fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

What does UPDATE TO TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS PROGRAMS. of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 6302 of Title 49, United States Code, related to transportation statistics programs. It requires the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to be located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. It grants the Bureau of Transportation Statistics 'exclusive authority over' a significant role in transportation statistics. The Secretary of Transportation must ensure activities related to data collection, analysis, and use protect information providers' trust and maintain data confidentiality, objectivity, and integrity. The Department and its operating administrations must follow best practices and technical standards in collecting, analyzing, and using transportation-related data for statistical purposes. The term 'statistical purpose' is defined as having the meaning given in section 3561 of title 44.

What does TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS COORDINATION COUNCIL. of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Transportation Statistics Coordination Council. The Council will coordinate statistical activities and evaluations across the Department. The Council is composed of representatives from each operating administration and additional members designated by the Secretary. The Council's duties include assisting the Director, reviewing the comprehensive data inventory, and identifying opportunities to reduce burden. The Secretary must submit a report to Congress within three years of enactment.

What does AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION CENTERS PROGRAM. of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 5505 of Title 49, United States Code. Subparagraph (A) of subsection (c)(4) is modified by removing the phrase 'not more than'. Paragraph (3) of subsection (d) is modified by changing the specified fiscal years from 'fiscal years 2022 through 2026' to 'fiscal years 2027 through 2031'.

What does OPEN RESEARCH INITIATIVE. of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 5506 of title 49, United States Code. The amendment changes the frequency of a report from biennially to an unspecified schedule. The years for a program are updated from 2022 through 2026 to 2027 through 2031. A new subsection (i) is added to develop an implementation plan for an open research initiative. The Secretary must submit a report on the implementation plan within two years.

What does STUDY ON AND RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO THE SAFETY EFFECTS OF of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section directs the Secretary of Transportation to contract with an entity to study the safety effects of emerging headlamp technologies, including LED and matrix LED. The study must assess luminous intensity, beam patterns, vehicle mounting height, and physiological/cognitive effects of high-intensity headlamps on drivers, particularly older drivers and those with visual impairments. The study should also analyze the ability of drivers to identify and avoid vulnerable road users. The study will evaluate existing headlamp testing procedures to determine their adequacy for high-intensity technologies. The Secretary is authorized to make recommendations to mitigate any negative findings related to driver visibility, glare exposure, or roadway safety. A report detailing the study's findings and recommendations must be submitted to specified congressional committees and made publicly available.

What does STRATEGY ON RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT. of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit a strategy to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment. The strategy aims to encourage standardization and utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) nationwide while maintaining asphalt mixture quality. The strategy must include a review of existing Secretary activities related to RAP, an analysis of potential cost savings, and a description of activities supporting technical standards. The Department of Transportation should promote RAP utilization through its programs, according to the strategy. The Secretary must consult with various entities, including institutions of higher education, state and local transportation departments, and private sector asphalt producers. The strategy also requires consultation with other federal departments and agencies and other relevant entities as determined appropriate. The section defines key terms like 'reclaimed asphalt pavement,' 'institution of higher education,' 'metropolitan planning organization,' 'nonprofit research organization,' and 'regional transportation planning organization' by referencing existing legislation.

What does RAIL RESEARCH PROGRAMS. of Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 24910 of title 49, United States Code, related to rail research programs. The amendment adds a new paragraph to address safety challenges with modern and future rail infrastructure and technology. It also adds a new paragraph to review safety standards for transporting hazardous materials on freight rail. The section updates years in subsections (c) and (e) from 2019 and 2010-2013 to 2031 and 2027-2031, respectively.

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Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/20/2026 · Introduced: 5/12/2026

Author: Vince Fong (R-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill extends funding for several highway and transportation technology innovation programs from fiscal years 2022-2026 to fiscal years 2027-2031.
It establishes the Transportation Statistics Coordination Council to improve data collection, analysis, and coordination across the Department of Transportation.
The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to study the safety effects of emerging headlamp technologies, particularly on older drivers and vulnerable road users.
It mandates the development of a strategy to encourage the nationwide standardization and utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) while maintaining asphalt mixture quality.
The bill updates rail research programs to address safety challenges related to modern rail infrastructure, hazardous materials transportation, and extends funding periods.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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