DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate

Summary#

This bill creates a new career position called the National Roadway Safety Advocate inside the Department of Transportation (DOT). The Secretary must establish the position within 180 days and place it in the Office of the Under Secretary for Transportation for Policy. The Advocate’s job is to collect and share recommendations from stakeholders (victims, survivors, and family members of road crash victims), serve as a point of contact, and help stakeholders understand DOT work. The Advocate can provide education, explain technical information in plain language, gather and pass on stakeholder feedback, publish accessible materials in multiple languages, consult on advisory committee appointments, and meet with the Secretary at least once per quarter. The Advocate will report to the Under Secretary for Transportation for Policy, must have full access to necessary DOT documents, and can submit an annual report by November 15 that highlights systemic roadway safety issues and recommends remedies. The office will provide necessary funding, logistics, and administrative support.

What it means for you#

• If you are a crash victim, survivor, or family member, the bill creates a named contact inside DOT to hear stakeholder concerns and share them with DOT leadership.
• The Advocate may help explain DOT processes and publish plain-language materials in accessible formats and multiple languages.
• The Advocate cannot give legal advice, change DOT decisions or deadlines, interfere with enforcement or litigation, or disclose ongoing investigations or personnel matters.

Expenses#

The bill says the Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy will provide necessary funding, logistics, and administrative support for the Advocate. No publicly available information on specific costs, budget amounts, or broader fiscal impacts is included in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.