To amend title 23, United States Code, with respect to include reducing injuries and deaths resulting from crashes in school zones as eligible programming under State highway safety programs, and for other purposes.

This bill amends Title 23 of the United States Code to explicitly authorize and prioritize school zone safety programming within State highway safety programs. The legislation recognizes school zones as critical areas requiring dedicated federal attention and resources, establishing a clear statutory mandate for states to develop and implement interventions aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths near educational institutions. By codifying school zone safety as an eligible and priority area for highway safety funding, the bill seeks to address the unique vulnerabilities of children and pedestrians in areas surrounding schools through comprehensive traffic management and safety measures.

The bill amends Title 23 of the United States Code to expand the scope of State highway safety programs by explicitly including the reduction of injuries and deaths in school zones as eligible programming. This amendment establishes school zone safety as a recognized federal priority within the existing highway safety framework, allowing states to utilize federal highway safety funds for targeted interventions in areas surrounding educational institutions. The provision creates a statutory foundation for comprehensive approaches to mitigating traffic-related risks near schools, encompassing infrastructure improvements, enforcement measures, and educational programming.

Implementation responsibility falls primarily to state transportation and highway safety departments, which must modify their existing highway safety programs to incorporate school zone safety initiatives. States will need to develop specific programming that addresses the unique traffic safety challenges in areas surrounding educational institutions, potentially including infrastructure modifications, enhanced enforcement, traffic calming measures, and public education campaigns. Local school districts and municipal traffic management authorities will serve as key partners in implementation, providing site-specific knowledge and coordinating with state agencies. The bill operates within the existing State highway safety program framework, allowing states to access federal highway safety funds for school zone initiatives without creating new administrative structures.

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are children, parents, school personnel, and communities surrounding educational institutions who will benefit from enhanced safety measures in school zones. State and local transportation agencies gain explicit federal authorization to dedicate resources to school zone safety, potentially accessing federal highway safety funds for targeted interventions. The bill creates new obligations for state highway safety programs to develop and implement school zone safety initiatives, which may require reallocation of existing resources or expansion of program scope. Expected outcomes include reduced traffic-related injuries and deaths in school zones through improved infrastructure, enhanced enforcement, and increased public awareness of school zone safety issues.

The bill operates under the constitutional authority granted to Congress to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare, specifically through the federal highway program established in Title 23 of the United States Code. The amendment builds upon existing statutory authorities governing State highway safety programs, expanding eligible activities rather than creating new regulatory structures. The legislation does not preempt state or local authority over traffic management but rather provides federal support and authorization for state-level initiatives. States retain discretion in designing and implementing specific school zone safety measures within the parameters of their highway safety programs, subject to federal oversight and compliance requirements established under Title 23.

The primary implementation challenge stems from the lack of specific guidance on funding mechanisms, reporting requirements, and performance metrics for school zone safety programming. States may face difficulties determining how to prioritize school zone safety within existing highway safety programs that already address multiple competing priorities. The absence of dedicated funding appropriations means states must reallocate existing resources or compete for limited federal highway safety funds, potentially creating tension with other safety priorities. Administrative burden on state agencies may increase as they develop new programming, establish partnerships with school districts, and implement monitoring systems. The bill's broad language leaves substantial ambiguity regarding what constitutes adequate school zone safety programming, potentially leading to inconsistent implementation across states and challenges in measuring effectiveness.