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Bill

HR 171

Curry, Reverend Dr. Augustus T.; commend

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Bazemore and 4 co-sponsors

HR 171 mandates transportation authorities to report annually, ensure public access to data, conduct audits, and engage communities, boosting transparency and accountability.

House Read and Adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 171

Summary of HR 171: Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act

Bill Number: HR 171
Introduced On: January 03, 2025
Current Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of transportation authorities across the United States. The bill seeks to ensure that these authorities operate with greater oversight and public awareness, thereby improving trust and efficiency in the management of transportation projects and funding.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to achieve its goals:

  1. Mandatory Reporting Requirements:

    • Transportation authorities will be required to submit annual reports detailing their financial activities, project statuses, and performance metrics.
  2. Public Access to Information:

    • The bill mandates that all reports and relevant data be made publicly accessible through online platforms, ensuring that citizens can easily obtain information about transportation projects and expenditures.
  3. Performance Audits:

    • Regular performance audits will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation authorities. These audits will be made available to the public.
  4. Stakeholder Engagement:

    • Transportation authorities must establish mechanisms for public engagement, allowing community members to provide input on transportation planning and project prioritization.
  5. Penalties for Non-Compliance:

    • The bill outlines penalties for authorities that fail to comply with reporting and transparency requirements, including potential funding reductions.

Affected Parties

The Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act will primarily impact:

  • Transportation Authorities: These entities will need to adapt to new reporting and transparency requirements.
  • Local Communities: Residents will benefit from increased access to information and opportunities for engagement in transportation planning.
  • Government Oversight Bodies: Agencies responsible for monitoring transportation authorities will have enhanced tools and data for oversight.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 03, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • January 04, 2025: The bill was subsequently referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit for further consideration.

Conclusion

HR 171 represents a significant step towards improving the accountability and transparency of transportation authorities. By instituting mandatory reporting, public access to information, and regular audits, the bill aims to foster greater public trust and ensure that transportation projects are managed effectively and efficiently. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its potential impacts on communities and transportation governance will be closely monitored.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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