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HR 141119th CongressIn Committee
Trailer Safety Improvement Act
Introduced: Jan 3, 2025
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
The Trailer Safety Improvement Act would add education on trailer safety to the list of activities that State highway safety programs must address with federal funding. Specifically, it amends title 23 of the U.S. Code to require states to include education about preventing improper and unsafe use of light-duty and medium-duty trailers, as well as educating the public about required trailer safety equipment and preventive maintenance. The bill is a short-title measure and does not create new funding or a new program by itself; rather, it expands the safety topics that states must cover with existing highway safety grants. The goal is to reduce trailer-related accidents and equipment issues by improving awareness and compliance.
Key Points
- 1Amends 23 U.S.C. § 402(a)(2)(A)(xiv) to add trailer safety education to state highway safety programs.
- 2Targets education on preventing improper and unsafe use of light-duty and medium-duty trailers.
- 3Requires public education about required trailer safety equipment and preventive maintenance.
- 4Introduced in the 119th Congress as the Trailer Safety Improvement Act; sponsors are Rep. Burchett and Rep. Bishop.
- 5No new funding or grant authority is created in the text; changes are within the scope of existing State highway safety program activities.
Impact Areas
Primary: Trailer owners, operators, and users (including RV owners and small businesses) who would be the focus of safety education and guidance.Secondary: General motorists and the traveling public who benefit from increased trailer safety awareness; state and local law enforcement may see a shift in outreach and compliance messaging.Additional impacts: State highway safety offices and program planners will need to incorporate trailer safety education into their SHSP plans; manufacturers and retailers of trailers and safety equipment may see increased demand for compliant equipment and maintenance information.
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