Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act
The Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act would explicitly authorize and fund the installation of human trafficking awareness signs at rest stops and welcome centers along the Interstate Highway System by expanding eligibility for certain transportation projects. It adds these signage projects to the list of eligible Local and Regional Project Assistance under 49 U.S.C. 6702(a)(3), and it extends eligibility into the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) by adding a new project category to 23 U.S.C. § 133(b). In addition, the bill updates the Department of Transportation’s Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking by increasing its size (from 15 to 16 members) and adding a representative from state departments of transportation, along with a deadline for appointing that member. Overall, the bill aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking at highway rest stops, improve coordination within DOT on trafficking issues, and make related signage projects eligible for federal transportation funding.
Key Points
- 1Adds “a project to procure and install human trafficking awareness signage at rest stops and welcome centers along the Interstate System” to the list of eligible Local and Regional projects under 49 U.S.C. 6702(a)(3)(H). Certain existing project restrictions in 6702(a)(2) would not apply to these signage projects.
- 2Updates the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) by adding a new eligible project category: projects described in 6702(a)(3)(H) of Title 49 (i.e., interstate rest-stop signage for trafficking awareness).
- 3Amends the DOT Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking: increases total membership from 15 to 16 and adds a representative from state departments of transportation as a regular member.
- 4Sets appointment timing for the new State DOT representative: the Secretary must appoint this member within nine months after enactment.
- 5Overall purpose: to enhance public awareness, support anti-trafficking efforts in transportation settings, and improve interagency coordination within DOT through updated funding eligibility and advisory committee structure.