U.S. Senate Passes Highway Bill
Contains Auto Safety Provisions
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 15, 2012 - The U.S. Senate has passed Senate Bill 1813, a two-year transportation bill worth $109 billion to go toward highway construction and auto safety initiatives. The House of Representatives has not completed work on its highway bill and may take up the Senate bill.
The Senate legislation includes the following: revises highway safety improvement programs; directs the secretary to establish requirements for regularly recurring updates and approval of state strategic highway safety plans; and requires the secretary to issue guidance to states on establishing performance measures and targets for state highway safety improvement programs to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on highways.
In addition, the bill authorizes highway safety research programs, including data collection, crash reduction projections, low-cost safety measures and safety policy studies.
The House version of a highway bill currently has no new auto safety provisions. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has said the House will not consider the five-year, $260 billion proposal to fund highways, but will consider a shorter-term bill.
To view S. 1813, the Senate Highway Safety Bill, visit ASA's legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.