![]() |
TEA-21 - Transportation Equity Act for the
21st Century Moving Americans into the 21st Century |
![]() | |
TEA-21 Home | DOT Home |
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.