Moving Americans into the 21st Century
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TEA-21 - Transportation Equity Act for the
21st Century Moving Americans into the 21st Century |
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TITLE II--HIGHWAY SAFETY
SEC. 2001. HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS.
(a) Uniform Guidelines.--Section 402(a) of title 23, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in the fourth sentence by striking ``(4) to'' and
inserting ``(4) to prevent accidents and'';
(2) in the eighth sentence by striking ``include information
obtained by the Secretary under section 4007 of the Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and''; and
(3) in the twelfth sentence by inserting ``enforcement of
light transmission standards of window glazing for passenger
motor vehicles and light trucks as necessary to improve highway
safety,'' before ``and emergency services''.
(b) Administration of State Programs.--Section 402(b) of such title
is amended-- <<NOTE: 23 USC 402.>>
(1) by striking ``(b)(1)'' and all that follows through
paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(b) Administration of State Programs.--'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively;
(3) in paragraph (1)(C) (as so redesignated) by striking
``paragraph (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; and
(4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) by striking
``paragraph (3)(C)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)(C)''.
(c) Apportionment of Funds.--The sixth sentence of section 402(c) of
such title is amended by inserting ``the apportionment to the Secretary
of the Interior shall not be less than three-fourths of 1 percent of the
total apportionment and'' after ``except that''.
(d) Application in Indian Country.--Section 402(i) of such title is
amended to read as follows:
``(i) Application in Indian Country.--
``(1) Use of terms.--For the purpose of application of this
section in Indian country, the terms `State' and `Governor of a
State' include the Secretary of the Interior and the term
`political subdivision of a State' includes an Indian tribe.
``(2) Expenditures for local highway programs.--
Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1)(C), 95 percent of the funds
apportioned to the Secretary of the Interior under this section
shall be expended by Indian tribes to carry out highway safety
programs within their jurisdictions.
``(3) Access for individuals with disabilities.--The
requirements of subsection (b)(1)(D) shall be applicable to
Indian tribes, except to those tribes with respect to which the
Secretary determines that application of such provisions would
not be practicable.
``(4) Indian country defined.--In this subsection, the term
`Indian country' means--
``(A) all land within the limits of any Indian
reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States,
notwithstanding the issuance of any patent and including
rights-of-way running through the reservation;
``(B) all dependent Indian communities within the
borders of the United States, whether within the
original or subsequently acquired territory thereof and
whether within or without the limits of a State; and
``(C) all Indian allotments, the Indian titles to
which have not been extinguished, including rights-of-
way running through such allotments.''.
(e) Rulemaking Proceeding.--Section 402(j) of such title is amended
to read as follows:
``(j) Rulemaking Proceeding.--The Secretary may periodically conduct
a rulemaking process to identify highway safety programs that are highly
effective in reducing motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. Any
such rulemaking shall take into account the major role of the States in
implementing such programs. When a rule promulgated in accordance with
this section takes effect, States shall consider these highly effective
programs when developing their highway safety programs.''.
(f) Highway Safety Education and Information.-- <<NOTE: 23 USC 402
note.>>
(1) In general.--For fiscal years 1999 and 2000, the
Secretary shall allow any State to use funds apportioned to the
State under section 402 of title 23, United States Code, to
purchase television and radio time for highway safety public
service messages.
(2) Reports by states.--Any State that uses funds described
in paragraph (1) for purchasing television and radio time for
highway safety public service messages shall submit to the
Secretary a report describing, and assessing the effectiveness
of, the messages.
(3) <<NOTE: Reports.>> Study.--Based on information
contained in the reports submitted under paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall prepare and transmit to Congress a report on the
effectiveness of purchasing television and radio time for
highway safety public service messages using funds described in
paragraph (1).
SEC. 2002. HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Authority of the Secretary.--Section 403(a)(2)(A) of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``, including training in
work zone safety management'' after ``personnel''.
(b) Drugs and Driver Behavior.--
(1) In general.--Section 403(b) of such title is <<NOTE: 23
USC 403.>> amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Measures that may deter drugged driving.
``(4) Programs to train law enforcement officers on motor
vehicle pursuits conducted by the officers.''.
(2) Reports of federal policies and procedures.--Not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Attorney General, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of
the Interior, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Chief of
Capitol Police, and the Administrator of General Services shall
each transmit to Congress a report containing--
(A) the policy of the department or agency headed by
that individual concerning motor vehicle pursuits by law
enforcement officers of that department or agency; and
(B) a description of the procedures that the
department or agency uses to train law enforcement
officers in the implementation of the policy referred to
in subparagraph (A).
SEC. 2003. OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
(a) Occupant Protection Incentive Grants.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code,
is amended by inserting after section 404 the following:
``Sec. 405. Occupant protection incentive grants
``(a) General Authority.--
``(1) Authority to make grants.--Subject to the requirements
of this section, the Secretary shall make grants under this
section to States that adopt and implement effective programs to
reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals
riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles.
Such grants may be used by recipient States only to implement
and enforce, as appropriate, such programs.
``(2) Maintenance of effort.--No grant may be made to a
State under this section in any fiscal year unless the State
enters into such agreements with the Secretary as the Secretary
may require to ensure that the State will maintain its aggregate
expenditures from all other sources for programs described in
paragraph (1) at or above the average level of such expenditures
in its 2 fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
``(3) Maximum period of eligibility.--No State may receive
grants under this section in more than 6 fiscal years beginning
after September 30, 1997.
``(4) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
implementing and enforcing, as appropriate, in a fiscal year a
program adopted by a State pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not
exceed--
``(A) in each of the first and second fiscal years
in which the State receives a grant under this section,
75 percent;
``(B) in each of the third and fourth fiscal years
in which the State receives a grant under this section,
50 percent; and
``(C) in each of the fifth and sixth fiscal years in
which the State receives a grant under this section, 25
percent.
``(b) Grant Eligibility.--A State shall become eligible for a grant
under this section by adopting or demonstrating to the satisfaction of
the Secretary at least 4 of the following:
``(1) Safety belt use law.--The State has in effect a safety
belt use law that makes unlawful throughout the State the
operation of a passenger motor vehicle whenever an individual
(other than a child who is secured in a child restraint system)
in the front seat of the vehicle (and, beginning in fiscal year
2001, in any seat in the vehicle) does not have a safety belt
properly secured about the individual's body.
``(2) Primary safety belt use law.--The State provides for
primary enforcement of the safety belt use law of the State.
``(3) Minimum fine or penalty points.--The State imposes a
minimum fine or provides for the imposition of penalty points
against the driver's license of an individual--
``(A) for a violation of the safety belt use law of
the State; and
``(B) for a violation of the child passenger
protection law of the State.
``(4) Special traffic enforcement program.--The State has
implemented a statewide special traffic enforcement program for
occupant protection that emphasizes publicity for the program.
``(5) Child passenger protection education program.--The
State has implemented a statewide comprehensive child passenger
protection education program that includes education
programs about proper seating positions for children in air bag
equipped motor vehicles and instruction on how to reduce the
improper use of child restraint systems.
``(6) Child passenger protection law.--The State has in
effect a law that requires minors who are riding in a passenger
motor vehicle to be properly secured in a child safety seat or
other appropriate restraint system.
``(c) Grant Amounts.--The amount of a grant for which a State
qualifies under this section for a fiscal year shall equal up to 25
percent of the amount apportioned to the State for fiscal year 1997
under section 402.
``(d) Administrative Expenses.--Funds authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section in a fiscal year shall be subject to a
deduction not to exceed 5 percent for the necessary costs of
administering the provisions of this section.
``(e) Applicability of Chapter 1.--The provisions contained in
section 402(d) shall apply to this section.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Child safety seat.--The term `child safety seat' means
any device (except safety belts) designed for use in a motor
vehicle to restrain, seat, or position a child who weighs 50
pounds or less.
``(2) Motor vehicle.--The term `motor vehicle' means a
vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured
primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways, but
does not include a vehicle operated only on a rail line.
``(3) Multipurpose passenger vehicle.--The term
`multipurpose passenger vehicle' means a motor vehicle with
motive power (except a trailer), designed to carry not more than
10 individuals, that is constructed either on a truck chassis or
with special features for occasional off-road operation.
``(4) Passenger car.--The term `passenger car' means a motor
vehicle with motive power (except a multipurpose passenger
vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer) designed to carry not more than
10 individuals.
``(5) Passenger motor vehicle.--The term `passenger motor
vehicle' means a passenger car or a multipurpose passenger motor
vehicle.
``(6) Safety belt.--The term `safety belt' means--
``(A) with respect to open-body passenger vehicles,
including convertibles, an occupant restraint system
consisting of a lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable
shoulder belt; and
``(B) with respect to other passenger vehicles, an
occupant restraint system consisting of integrated lap
and shoulder belts.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 404 the
following:
``405. Occupant protection incentive grants.''.
(b) Child Passenger Protection Education Grants.-- <<NOTE: 23 USC
405 note.>>
(1) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant to a State
that submits an application, in such form and manner as the
Secretary may prescribe, that is approved by the Secretary to
carry out the activities specified in paragraph (2) through--
(A) the child passenger protection program of the
State; and
(B) at the option of the State, a grant program
established by the State to carry out 1 or more of the
activities specified in paragraph (2) by a political
subdivision of the State or an appropriate private
entity.
(2) Use of funds.--Funds provided to a State as a grant
under this subsection shall be used to implement child passenger
protection programs that--
(A) are designed to prevent deaths and injuries to
children;
(B) educate the public concerning--
(i) all aspects of the proper installation of
child restraints using standard seatbelt hardware,
supplemental hardware, and modification devices
(if needed), including special installation
techniques;
(ii) appropriate child restraint design,
selection, and placement; and
(iii) harness threading and harness adjustment
on child restraints; and
(C) train and retrain child passenger safety
professionals, police officers, fire and emergency
medical personnel, and other educators concerning all
aspects of child restraint use.
(3) Grant awards.--The Secretary may make a grant under this
subsection without regard to whether a State is eligible to
receive, or has received, a grant under section 405 of title 23,
United States Code (as inserted by subsection (a) of this
section).
(4) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of a
program carried out using funds made available from a grant
under this subsection may not exceed 80 percent.
(5) Report.--Each State that receives a grant under this
subsection shall transmit to the Secretary a report for the
period covered by the grant that, at a minimum, describes the
program activities carried out with the funds made available
under the grant.
(6) Report to congress.--Not later than June 1, 2002, the
Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the
implementation of this subsection that includes a description of
the programs carried out and materials developed and distributed
by the States that receive grants under this subsection.
(7) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this subsection $7,500,000 for each
of fiscal years 2000 and 2001.
SEC. 2004. ALCOHOL-IMPAIRED DRIVING COUNTERMEASURES.
(a) In General.--Section 410 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 410. Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures
``(a) General Authority.--
``(1) Authority to make grants.--Subject to the requirements
of this section, the Secretary shall make grants to States that
adopt and implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety
problems resulting from individuals driving while under
the influence of alcohol. Such grants may only be used by
recipient States to implement and enforce such programs.
``(2) Maintenance of effort.--No grant may be made to a
State under this section in any fiscal year unless the State
enters into such agreements with the Secretary as the Secretary
may require to ensure that the State will maintain its aggregate
expenditures from all other sources for alcohol traffic safety
programs at or above the average level of such expenditures in
its 2 fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
``(3) Maximum period of eligibility.--No State may receive
grants under this section in more than 6 fiscal years beginning
after September 30, 1997.
``(4) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
implementing and enforcing in a fiscal year a program adopted by
a State pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not exceed--
``(A) in each of the first and second fiscal years
in which the State receives a grant under this section,
75 percent;
``(B) in each of the third and fourth fiscal years
in which the State receives a grant under this section,
50 percent; and
``(C) in each of the fifth and sixth fiscal years in
which the State receives a grant under this section, 25
percent.
``(b) Basic Grant Eligibility.--
``(1) Basic grant a.--A State shall become eligible for a
grant under this paragraph by adopting or demonstrating to the
satisfaction of the Secretary at least 5 of the following:
``(A) Administrative license revocation.--An
administrative driver's license suspension or revocation
system for individuals who operate motor vehicles while
under the influence of alcohol that requires that--
``(i) in the case of an individual who, in any
5-year period beginning after the date of
enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the
21st Century, is determined on the basis of a
chemical test to have been operating a motor
vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or is
determined to have refused to submit to such a
test as proposed by a law enforcement officer, the
State agency responsible for administering
drivers' licenses, upon receipt of the report of
the law enforcement officer--
``(I) shall suspend the driver's
license of such individual for a period
of not less than 90 days if such
individual is a first offender in such
5-year period; and
``(II) shall suspend the driver's
license of such individual for a period
of not less than 1 year, or revoke such
license, if such individual is a repeat
offender in such 5-year period; and
``(ii) the suspension and revocation referred
to under clause (i) shall take effect not later
than 30 days after the day on which the individual
refused to submit to a chemical test or received
notice of having been determined to be driving
under the influence of alcohol, in accordance with
the procedures of the State.
``(B) Underage drinking program.--An effective
system, as determined by the Secretary, for preventing
operators of motor vehicles under age 21 from obtaining
alcoholic beverages and for preventing persons from
making alcoholic beverages available to individuals
under age 21. Such system may include the issuance of
drivers' licenses to individuals under age 21 that are
easily distinguishable in appearance from drivers'
licenses issued to individuals age 21 or older and the
issuance of drivers' licenses that are tamper resistant.
``(C) Enforcement program.--Either--
``(i) a statewide program for stopping motor
vehicles on a nondiscriminatory, lawful basis for
the purpose of determining whether the operators
of such motor vehicles are driving while under the
influence of alcohol; or
``(ii) a statewide special traffic enforcement
program for impaired driving that emphasizes
publicity for the program.
``(D) Graduated licensing system.--A 3-stage
graduated licensing system for young drivers that
includes nighttime driving restrictions during the first
2 stages, requires all vehicle occupants to be properly
restrained, and makes it unlawful for a person under age
21 to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol
concentration of .02 percent or greater.
``(E) Drivers with high bac.--Programs to target
individuals with high blood alcohol concentrations who
operate a motor vehicle. Such programs may include
implementation of a system of graduated penalties and
assessment of individuals convicted of driving under the
influence of alcohol.
``(F) Young adult drinking programs.--Programs to
reduce driving while under the influence of alcohol by
individuals age 21 through 34. Such programs may include
awareness campaigns; traffic safety partnerships with
employers, colleges, and the hospitality industry;
assessments of first-time offenders; and incorporation
of treatment into judicial sentencing.
``(G) Testing for bac.--An effective system for
increasing the rate of testing of the blood alcohol
concentrations of motor vehicle drivers involved in
fatal accidents and, in fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal
year thereafter, a rate of such testing that is equal to
or greater than the national average.
``(2) Basic grant b.--A State shall become eligible for a
grant under this paragraph by adopting or demonstrating to the
satisfaction of the Secretary each of the following:
``(A) Fatal impaired driver percentage reduction.--
The percentage of fatally injured drivers with 0.10
percent or greater blood alcohol concentration in the
State has decreased in each of the 3 most recent
calendar years for which statistics for determining such
percentages are available.
``(B) Fatal impaired driver percentage comparison.--
The percentage of fatally injured drivers with 0.10
percent or greater blood alcohol concentration in the
State
has been lower than the average percentage for all
States in each of the calendar years referred to in
subparagraph (A).
``(3) Basic grant amount.--The amount of a basic grant made
to a State for a fiscal year under this subsection shall equal
up to 25 percent of the amount apportioned to the State for
fiscal year 1997 under section 402.
``(c) Supplemental Grants.--
``(1) In general.--Upon receiving an application from a
State, the Secretary may make supplemental grants to the State
for meeting 1 or more of the following criteria:
``(A) Video equipment for detection of drunk
drivers.--The State provides for a program to acquire
video equipment to be used in detecting persons who
operate motor vehicles while under the influence of
alcohol and in prosecuting those persons, and to train
personnel in the use of that equipment.
``(B) Self-sustaining drunk driving prevention
program.--The State provides for a self-sustaining drunk
driving prevention program under which a significant
portion of the fines or surcharges collected from
individuals apprehended and fined for operating a motor
vehicle while under the influence of alcohol are
returned to those communities which have comprehensive
programs for the prevention of such operations of motor
vehicles.
``(C) Reducing driving with a suspended license.--
The State enacts and enforces a law to reduce driving
with a suspended license. Such law, as determined by the
Secretary, may require a `zebra' stripe that is clearly
visible on the license plate of any motor vehicle owned
and operated by a driver with a suspended license.
``(D) Use of passive alcohol sensors.--The State
provides for a program to acquire passive alcohol
sensors to be used by police officers in detecting
persons who operate motor vehicles while under the
influence of alcohol, and to train police officers in
the use of that equipment.
``(E) Effective dwi tracking system.--The State
demonstrates an effective driving while intoxicated
(DWI) tracking system. Such a system, as determined by
the Secretary, may include data covering arrests, case
prosecutions, court dispositions and sanctions, and
provide for the linkage of such data and traffic records
systems to appropriate jurisdictions and offices within
the State.
``(F) Other programs.--The State provides for other
innovative programs to reduce traffic safety problems
resulting from individuals driving while under the
influence of alcohol or controlled substances, including
programs that seek to achieve such a reduction through
legal, judicial, enforcement, educational,
technological, or other approaches.
``(2) Eligibility.--A State shall be eligible to receive a
grant under this subsection in a fiscal year only if the State
is eligible to receive a grant under subsection (b) in such
fiscal year.
``(3) Funding.--Of the amounts made available to carry out
this section in a fiscal year, not to exceed 10 percent shall be
available for making grants under this subsection.
``(d) Administrative Expenses.--Funds authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section in a fiscal year shall be subject to a
deduction not to exceed 5 percent for the necessary costs of
administering the provisions of this section.
``(e) Applicability of Chapter 1.--The provisions contained in
section 402(d) shall apply to this section.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Alcoholic beverage.--The term `alcoholic beverage' has
the meaning given such term in section 158(c).
``(2) Controlled substances.--The term `controlled
substances' has the meaning given such term in section 102(6) of
the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6)).
``(3) Motor vehicle.--The term `motor vehicle' has the
meaning given such term in section 405.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 23 USC 410 note.>> Effective Date.--The amendment made
by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 1998.
SEC. 2005. STATE HIGHWAY SAFETY DATA IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 411. State highway safety data improvements
``(a) General Authority.--
``(1) Authority to make grants.--Subject to the requirements
of this section, the Secretary shall make grants to States that
adopt and implement effective programs--
``(A) to improve the timeliness, accuracy,
completeness, uniformity, and accessibility of the data
of the State that is needed to identify priorities for
national, State, and local highway and traffic safety
programs;
``(B) to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to
make such improvements;
``(C) to link these State data systems, including
traffic records, with other data systems within the
State, such as systems that contain medical and economic
data; and
``(D) to improve the compatibility of the data
system of the State with national data systems and data
systems of other States and to enhance the ability of
the Secretary to observe and analyze national trends in
crash occurrences, rates, outcomes, and circumstances.
Such grants may be used by recipient States only to implement
such programs.
``(2) Model data elements.--The Secretary, in consultation
with States and other appropriate parties, shall determine the
model data elements necessary to observe and analyze national
trends in crash occurrences, rates, outcomes, and circumstances.
In order to become eligible for a grant under this section, a
State shall demonstrate how the multiyear highway safety data
and traffic records plan of the State described in subsection
(b)(1) will be incorporated into data systems of the State.
``(3) Maintenance of effort.--No grant may be made to a
State under this section in any fiscal year unless the State
enters into such agreements with the Secretary as the Secretary
may require to ensure that the State will maintain its aggregate
expenditures from all other sources for highway
safety data programs at or above the average level of such
expenditures in its 2 fiscal years preceding the date of
enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
``(4) Maximum period of eligibility.--No State may receive
grants under this section in more than 6 fiscal years beginning
after September 30, 1997.
``(5) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
implementing and enforcing, as appropriate, in a fiscal year a
program adopted by a State pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not
exceed--
``(A) in the first and second fiscal years in which
the State receives a grant under this section, 75
percent;
``(B) in the third and fourth fiscal years in which
the State receives a grant under this section, 50
percent; and
``(C) in the fifth and sixth fiscal years in which
the State receives a grant under this section, 25
percent.
``(b) First-Year Grants.--
``(1) Eligibility.--A State shall become eligible for a
first-year grant under this subsection in a fiscal year if the
State either--
``(A) demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the
Secretary, that the State has--
``(i) established a highway safety data and
traffic records coordinating committee with a
multidisciplinary membership, including the
administrators, collectors, and users of such data
(including the public health, injury control, and
motor carrier communities);
``(ii) completed, within the preceding 5
years, a highway safety data and traffic records
assessment or an audit of the highway safety data
and traffic records system of the State; and
``(iii) initiated the development of a
multiyear highway safety data and traffic records
strategic plan that--
``(I) identifies and prioritizes the
highway safety data and traffic records
needs and goals of the State;
``(II) identifies performance-based
measures by which progress toward those
goals will be determined; and
``(III) will be submitted to the
highway safety data and traffic records
coordinating committee of the State for
approval; or
``(B) provides, to the satisfaction of the
Secretary--
``(i) a certification that the State has met
the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of
subparagraph (A);
``(ii) a multiyear highway safety data and
traffic records strategic plan that--
``(I) meets the requirements of
subparagraph (A)(iii); and
``(II) specifies how the incentive
funds of the State for the fiscal year
will be used to address needs and goals
identified in the plan; and
``(iii) a certification that the highway
safety data and traffic records coordinating
committee of the State
continues to operate and supports the multiyear
plan described in clause (ii).
``(2) Grant amounts.--The amount of a first-year grant made
to a State for a fiscal year under this subsection shall equal--
``(A) if the State is eligible for the grant under
paragraph (1)(A), $125,000; and
``(B) if the State is eligible for the grant under
paragraph (1)(B), an amount determined by multiplying--
``(i) the amount appropriated to carry out
this section for such fiscal year; by
``(ii) the ratio that the funds apportioned to
the State under section 402 for fiscal year 1997
bears to the funds apportioned to all States under
section 402 for fiscal year 1997;
except that no State eligible for a grant under
paragraph (1)(B) shall receive less than $250,000.
``(3) States not meeting criteria.--The Secretary may award
a grant of up to $25,000 for 1 year to any State that does not
meet the criteria established in paragraph (1). The grant may
only be used to conduct activities needed to enable the State to
qualify for a first-year grant in the next fiscal year.
``(c) Succeeding Year Grants.--
``(1) Eligibility.--A State shall be eligible for a grant
under this subsection in a fiscal year succeeding the first
fiscal year in which the State receives a grant under subsection
(b) if the State, to the satisfaction of the Secretary--
``(A) submits or updates a multiyear highway safety
data and traffic records strategic plan that meets the
requirements of subsection (b)(1);
``(B) certifies that the highway safety data and
traffic records coordinating committee of the State
continues to operate and supports the multiyear plan;
and
``(C) reports annually on the progress of the State
in implementing the multiyear plan.
``(2) Grant amounts.--The amount of a succeeding year grant
made to the State for a fiscal year under this paragraph shall
equal the amount determined by multiplying--
``(A) the amount appropriated to carry out this
section for such fiscal year; by
``(B) the ratio that the funds apportioned to the
State under section 402 for fiscal year 1997 bears to
the funds apportioned to all States under section 402
for fiscal year 1997;
except that no State eligible for a grant under this paragraph
shall receive less than $225,000.
``(c) Administrative Expenses.--Funds authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section in a fiscal year shall be subject to a
deduction not to exceed 5 percent for the necessary costs of
administering the provisions of this section.
``(d) Applicability of Chapter 1.--The provisions contained in
section 402(d) shall apply to this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``411. State highway safety data improvements.''.
SEC. 2006. NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER.
(a) Transfer of Selected Functions to Non-Federal Management.--
Section 30302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(e) Transfer of Selected Functions to Non-Federal Management.--
``(1) Agreement.--The Secretary may enter into an agreement
with an organization that represents the interests of the States
to manage, administer, and operate the National Driver
Register's computer timeshare and user assistance functions. If
the Secretary decides to enter into such an agreement, the
Secretary shall ensure that the management of these functions is
compatible with this chapter and the regulations issued to
implement this chapter.
``(2) Required demonstration.--Any transfer of the National
Driver Register's computer timeshare and user assistance
functions to an organization that represents the interests of
the States shall begin only after a determination is made by the
Secretary that all States are participating in the National
Driver Register's `Problem Driver Pointer System' (the system
used by the Register to effect the exchange of motor vehicle
driving records) and that the system is functioning properly.
``(3) Transition period.--Any agreement entered into under
this subsection shall include a provision for a transition
period sufficient to allow the States to make the budgetary and
legislative changes the States may need to pay fees charged by
the organization representing their interests for their use of
the National Driver Register's computer timeshare and user
assistance functions. During this transition period, the
Secretary shall continue to fund these transferred functions.
``(4) Fees.--The total of the fees charged by the
organization representing the interests of the States in any
fiscal year for the use of the National Driver Register's
computer timeshare and user assistance functions shall not
exceed the total cost to the organization of performing these
functions in such fiscal year.
``(5) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in this
subsection may be construed to diminish, limit, or otherwise
affect the authority of the Secretary to carry out this
chapter.''.
(b) Access to Register Information.--
(1) Conforming amendments.--Section 30305(b) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2) by inserting before the period
at the end the following: ``, unless the information is
about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the
date of the request'';
(B) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by section
207(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-324, 110 Stat. 3908)--
(i) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and
inserting ``subsection (a) of this section''; and
(ii) by moving the text of such paragraph 2
ems to the left; and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (8), as redesignated
by section 502(b)(1) of the Federal Aviation
Reauthorization
Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-264, 110 Stat. 3262), as
paragraph (9).
(2) Federal agency access provision.--Section 30305(b) of
title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (10)
and inserting such paragraph after paragraph (9);
(B) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) The head of a Federal department or agency that issues motor
vehicle operator's licenses may request the chief driver licensing
official of a State to obtain information under subsection (a) of this
section about an individual applicant for a motor vehicle operator's
license from such department or agency. <<NOTE: Reports.>> The
department or agency may receive the information, provided it transmits
to the Secretary a report regarding any individual who is denied a motor
vehicle operator's license by that department or agency for cause; whose
motor vehicle operator's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled by
that department or agency for cause; or about whom the department or
agency has been notified of a conviction of any of the motor vehicle-
related offenses or comparable offenses listed in section 30304(a)(3)
and over whom the department or agency has licensing authority. The
report shall contain the information specified in section 30304(b).'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) The head of a Federal department or agency authorized to
receive information regarding an individual from the Register under this
section may request and receive such information from the Secretary.''.
(c) Evaluation and Assessment of Alternatives.-- <<NOTE: 49 USC
30301 note.>>
(1) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall evaluate the
implementation of chapter 303 of title 49, United States Code,
and the programs under sections 31106 and 31309 of such title
and identify alternatives to improve the ability of the States
to exchange information about unsafe drivers and to identify
drivers with multiple licenses.
(2) Technology assessment.--The Secretary, in conjunction
with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators,
shall conduct an assessment of available electronic technologies
to improve access to and exchange of motor vehicle driving
records. The assessment may consider alternative unique motor
vehicle driver identifiers that would facilitate accurate
matching of drivers and their records.
(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to
Congress a report on the results of the evaluation and
technology assessment, together with any recommendations for
appropriate administrative and legislative actions.
(4) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out paragraph (2) $250,000 in the
aggregate for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1998.
SEC. 2007. SAFETY STUDIES. <<NOTE: 23 USC 403 note.>>
(a) Blowout Resistant Tires Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a
study on the benefit to public safety of the use of blowout resistant
tires on commercial motor vehicles and the potential to decrease the
incidence of accidents and fatalities from accidents occurring as a
result of blown out tires.
(b) School Bus Occupant Safety Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a
study to assess occupant safety in school buses. The study shall examine
available information about occupant safety and analyze options for
improving occupant safety.
(c) Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the
results of each study conducted under this section.
(d) Limitation on Funding.--The Secretary may not expend more than
$200,000 from funds made available by section 403 of title 23, United
States Code, for conducting each study under this section.
SEC. 2008. <<NOTE: 23 USC 410 note.>> EFFECTIVENESS OF LAWS
ESTABLISHING MAXIMUM BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study to
evaluate the effectiveness of State laws that--
(1) deem any individual with a blood alcohol concentration
of 0.08 percent or greater while operating a motor vehicle to be
driving while intoxicated; and
(2) deem any individual under the age of 21 with a blood
alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or greater while operating
a motor vehicle to be driving while intoxicated;
in reducing the number and severity of alcohol-involved crashes.
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
report containing the results of the study conducted under this section.
SEC. 2009. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--The following sums are authorized to be
appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit
Account):
(1) Highway safety programs.--For carrying out section 402
of title 23, United States Code, $149,700,000 for fiscal year
1998, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, $152,800,000 for fiscal
year 2000, $155,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, $160,000,000 for
fiscal year 2002, and $165,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
(2) Highway safety research and development.--For carrying
out section 403 of title 23, United States Code, $72,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 1998 through 2003.
(3) Occupant protection incentive grants.--For carrying out
section 405 of title 23, United States Code, $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000, $13,000,000 for fiscal year
2001, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, and $20,000,000 for
fiscal year 2003.
(4) Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive grant
program.--For carrying out section 410 of title 23, United
States Code, $34,500,000 for fiscal year 1998, $35,000,000 for
fiscal year 1999, $36,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 and
2001, $38,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, and $40,000,000 for
fiscal year 2003.
(5) State highway safety data grants.--For carrying out
section 411 of title 23, United States Code, $5,000,000 for
fiscal year 1999, $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $9,000,000
for fiscal year 2001, and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.
(6) National driver register.--For carrying out chapter 303
of title 49, United States Code, by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1998
through 2003.
(b) Allocations.--
(1) Drugs and driver behavior.--Out of amounts appropriated
pursuant to subsection (a)(2) for fiscal years 1998 through
2003, the Secretary may use--
(A) not to exceed $2,000,000 per fiscal year to
carry out paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 403(b)
of title 23, United States Code; and
(B) not to exceed $1,000,000 per fiscal year to
carry out paragraph (4) of such section.
(2) Public education effort.--Out of amounts appropriated
pursuant to subsection (a)(2) for fiscal years 1998 through
2003, the Secretary shall obligate at least $500,000 per fiscal
year to educate the motoring public on how to share the road
safely with commercial motor vehicles.
(c) Applicability of Title 23.--Amounts made available under
subsection (a)(2) for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003 shall be
available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were
apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.
(d) Transfers.--In each fiscal year, the Secretary may transfer any
amounts remaining available under paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of
subsection (a) to the amounts made available under any other of such
paragraphs in order to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that each
State receives the maximum incentive funding for which the State is
eligible under sections 405, 410, and 411 of title 23, United States
Code.
