S.415 - DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act aims to establish a National Roadway Safety Advocate within the Department of Transportation. This advocate will serve as a liaison between stakeholders (victims, survivors, and their families) and the Department of Transportation. The advocate's role is to communicate stakeholder recommendations, provide education on Department activities, and enhance stakeholder engagement in roadway safety initiatives.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased communication and feedback between the Department of Transportation and those affected by road crashes. This could result in more responsive policies and programs related to roadway safety. The advocate will provide a dedicated point of contact for stakeholders, potentially improving their understanding of and engagement with the Department's processes.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced communication between the Department of Transportation and road crash victims/survivors.
- Improved understanding of stakeholder needs and concerns within the Department.
- Increased stakeholder engagement in roadway safety initiatives.
- Potential for more responsive and effective roadway safety policies.
- A dedicated resource for victims and survivors to navigate Department processes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies if the advocate's role is not clearly defined or integrated within the Department.
- Risk of the advocate's recommendations being overlooked or ignored by the Secretary.
- Possible limitations on the advocate's authority to effect meaningful change.
- The cost of funding, logistics, and administrative support for the advocate position.
- No guarantee that stakeholder input will directly translate into policy changes.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public safety and address the needs of road crash victims and survivors. The establishment of the advocate position falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).