Summary: Amends the federal-aid highway program to modify the minimum penalties states are required to impose on motorists convicted multiple times for driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. Requires repeat offenders to have: (1) all their driving privileges suspended (currently, a driver's license suspension) for at least one year; or (2) a combination of suspension of unlimited driving privileges for one year, allowing for reinstatement of limited driving privileges, subject to restrictions and limited exemptions as established under state law, if an ignition interlock device is installed for at least one year on each of the motor vehicles they own or operate. Eliminates the current alternative of a combination of suspension of all driving privileges for the first 45 days of the suspension period followed by a reinstatement of limited driving privileges for the purpose of getting to and from work, school, or an alcohol treatment program if an ignition interlock device is installed on each of the motor vehicles owned or operated, or both, by the individual.

amends federal aid highway program modify minimum penalties states required impose convicted multiple times driving intoxicated influence alcohol requires repeat offenders driving privileges suspended currently driver license suspension year combination suspension unlimited driving privileges year allowing reinstatement limited driving privileges subject restrictions limited exemptions established state law ignition device installed year motor vehicles operate eliminates current alternative combination suspension driving privileges days suspension period followed reinstatement limited driving privileges purpose getting work school alcohol treatment program ignition device installed motor vehicles owned operated individual


Summary: Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to require states to install broadband conduits (conduits for fiber optic cables that support broadband or wireless facilities for broadband service) in certain highway construction projects. Requires the Secretary to ensure that any requesting broadband provider has access to such installed broadband conduit on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate.

broadband conduit deployment act directs secretary transportation dot require states install broadband conduits conduits fiber support broadband wireless facilities broadband service certain highway construction projects requires secretary ensure requesting broadband provider access installed broadband conduit competitively neutral nondiscriminatory basis charge exceed cost based rate


Summary: Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2011 - Title I: Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration - (Sec. 101) Revises commercial motor vehicle registration requirements to prohibit the Secretary from registering a person to provide motorcoach services until that person has: (1) submitted a comprehensive management plan that is in place to ensure compliance with DOT motor carrier safety regulations; (2) disclosed any common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationships between the carrier and any other motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker that have occurred in the five-years preceding the filing of an application for registration; and (3) passed the DOT written proficiency examination the Secretary is hereby directed to establish to test a motor carrier's knowledge of federal and state motor carrier safety regulations, standards, and orders. (Sec. 102) Reduces from 18 months to 12 months after motorcoach operations begin the deadline for mandatory safety reviews of newly registered motorcoach owners or operators. Authorizes the Secretary to register a person to provide motorcoach services after that person undergoes a pre-authorization safety audit. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary to withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder: (1) for failure to obey a subpoena issued by the Secretary; (2) for failure to disclose in its application a material fact relevant to its willingness and ability to comply with federal law, regulations, or a registration condition; or (3) that is or was related through common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to any other motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. Requires the Secretary to develop data analysis capacity and programs for the means to determine such a relationship. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a report on the appropriateness of current minimum financial requirements and bond and insurance requirements for motor carriers, brokers, and and freight forwarders; and (2) not later than six months after publication of the report, initiate a rulemaking, if necessary, to revise such requirements. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to register an employer or person subject to safety jurisdiction and regulation. Authorizes an employer or person to operate a commercial motor vehicle only if that employer or person is registered by the Secretary and receives a DOT number. Sets forth conditions for withholding, revoking, or suspending such registration. (Sec. 106) Eliminates the $300 limit on the registration fee for new motor carrier registrants using the Unified Carrier Registration System. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the Secretary to require a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to update its registration information no later 30 days after a change in specified essential information. (Sec. 108) Increases civil penalties against motor carriers or foreign motor carriers of passengers or motor carriers of hazardous waste for: (1) failing to comply with certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and (2) operating without being registered. (Sec. 109) Revises the requirement that the Secretary revoke the registration of a motor carrier that has been conducting unsafe operations which are an imminent hazard to public health or property. Makes revocation mandatory regardless of whether the unsafe operations are in the present or were in the past. (Sec. 110) Increases from a range of $100-$5,000 to a range of $1,000-$10,000 the civil penalties against a motor carrier, motor carrier of migrant workers, or motor private carrier for failing to respond to a subpoena or requirement of the Secretary to appear and testify or produce records. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke the registration of a motorcoach carrier for failure to obey such subpoena or requirement. (Sec. 111) Revises conditions for fleetwide out-of-service orders as penalties for operating without required registration. Changes the primary reference from motor vehicles to motor carriers. (Thus authorizes the Secretary to order motor carrier operations out-of-service for a motor carrier operating without a required registration.) (Sec. 112) Revises requirements related to the duty of employers and employees to comply with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations. Prohibits two or more motor carriers, employers, or persons from using common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to avoid compliance, or conceal noncompliance or a history of noncompliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations or an order of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to impose appropriate sanctions for violation of this prohibition. Applies such sanctions to conduct that is intentional or knowing and to repeated instances of negligent conduct. (Sec. 113) Authorizes the Secretary to take an action pursuant to federal commercial motor vehicle safety requirements against any successor of a motor carrier, employer, or owner or operator to the same extent as the Secretary may take action against the motor carrier, employer, or owner or operator. Title II: Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety - (Sec. 201) Repeals the exemption of brokers of motor carriers of passengers from the jurisdiction of either the Secretary or the Surface Transportation Board (STB). (Sec. 202) Redefines "employer," for purposes of the application of federal commercial motor vehicle safety standards, to include a person that offers for rent or lease in interstate commerce motor vehicles used to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) from the same location, or as part of the same business provides names or contact information of drivers, or holds itself out to the public as a charter bus company. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to analyze the need for crashworthiness standards on property-carrying commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds involved in interstate commerce. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit from operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate and foreign commerce any Canadian employer that has received an unfit safety determination to operate such a vehicle from an authorized agency in Canada, until that same agency determines that the employer is fit. (Sec. 205) Prescribes requirements with respect to: (1) state reporting to the Federal Convictions and Withdrawal Database or other similar database of any motor vehicle-related convictions of foreign commercial drivers, (2) disqualification of foreign commercial drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or certain other felony violations, and (3) revocation of the registration of a foreign motor carrier for failure to comply with an order of the Secretary or the STB or to pay certain civil penalties. Title III: Driver Safety - (Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate commerce, and operated by a driver subject to both federal hours-of-service and record of duty status requirements, to be equipped with an electronic on-board recording device meeting certain performance and design standards and requirements. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary, ensuring that the relevant data is accurate, to incorporate into its Compliance, Safety, Accountability program a safety fitness rating methodology that assigns sufficient weight to adverse vehicle and driver performance based-data that elevate crash risks to warrant an unsatisfactory rating for a commercial motor vehicle carrier. (Sec. 303) Revises medical examiner requirements. Requires the Secretary to establish a national registry of medical examiners. Requires a medical examiner to pass an examination developed by the Secretary in order to be listed in the national registry. Requires the Secretary to review annually the licensing agencies of 10 states to assess the accuracy, validity, and timeliness of physical examination reports and medical examiner certificates submitted to them. Prescribes requirements for the electronic filing of medical examiner certificates. Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for grants to states or licensing agencies to support the development costs for such electronic filing systems. (Sec. 304) Requires an employer to ascertain at least once every 12 months the driving record of each commercial motor vehicle driver it employs. Requires the Secretary to issue minimum standards and develop a plan for development of a national driver record notification system. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations establishing minimum entry-level training requirements for individual operators of commercial motor vehicles. (Sec. 306) Revises the commercial driver's license (CDL) information system program. Requires the comprehensive national plan to modernize the CDL information system to specify that states must use the systems to receive and submit conviction and disqualification data. Requires a state by a certain deadline to implement a state CDL information system and practices for the exclusive electronic exchange of driver history record information on the federal system, including the posting of convictions, withdrawals, and disqualifications. Requires a state to submit a plan to DOT for a state CDL program plan complying with the requirements of this section during the period beginning on the date the plan is submitted and ending on September 30, 2016. (Sec. 307) Requires regulations on minimum standards for testing and ensuring the fitness of a commercial motor vehicle driver to ensure that an individual taking the tests would not be subject to a disqualification for a noncommercial motor vehicle offense resulting in resulted in license revocation, cancellation, or suspension, including a drug or alcohol related offense. (Sec. 308) Authorizes the Secretary to require a state, as a condition of receiving a commercial motor vehicle driver information program grant, to provide the Secretary access to all the state's licensing status and driver history records via an electronic information system. (Sec. 309) Requires the Secretary to disqualify an individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a first violation (one year disqualification) or multiple violations (life disqualification) of the rule against operating a commercial motor vehicle when the individual's CDL is revoked, suspended, or canceled based on the individual's operation of any motor vehicle, regardless if commercial or non-commercial. (Sec. 310) Defines "disqualification" under federal law as: (1) the suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a commercial driver's license by the state of issuance; (2) a withdrawal of an individual's privilege to drive a commercial motor vehicle by a state or other jurisdiction as the result of a violation of state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (except for a parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violation); or (3) a determination that an individual is unfit or is not qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. (Sec. 311) Revises certain employer responsibility requirements. Prohibits an employer from allowing an employee to operate a commercial motor vehicle during a period that the employer should reasonably know that such employee has a revoked, suspended, or canceled driver's license, or has more than one driver's license. Title IV: Safe Roads Act of 2011 - Safe Roads Act of 2011 - (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse for verified positive alcohol and controlled substance test results and test refusals of commercial motor vehicle operators as well as violations by them of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) alcohol and controlled substances regulations. Prohibits an employer from hiring an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle unless, during the preceding three-year period, the individual: (1) did not test positive for use of alcohol and controlled substances, or completed the return-to-duty process after initially testing positive; (2) did not refuse to be tested, or completed the return-to-duty process after initially refusing to be tested; or (3) did not violate FMCSA alcohol and controlled substances regulations. Subjects an employer, employee, medical review officer, or service agent to certain civil and criminal penalties for violations of such requirements. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary to require a state to revoke, suspend, or cancel a CDL of a commercial motor vehicle operator who is found to have used alcohol or a controlled substance until the operator completes a rehabilitation process. Changes from mandatory to discretionary the authority of the Secretary to permanently disqualify from operating a commercial vehicle an individual that uses: (1) a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance; or (2) alcohol or a controlled substance during operation of a commercial vehicle three or more times. (Sec. 404) Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the Secretary to develop, design, and implement the national clearinghouse. Title V: Enforcement - (Sec. 501) Revises requirements for enforcement of various specified regulations regarding commercial motor vehicles, including: (1) safety inspection of carrier equipment by an employee of a recipient of a grant to a state for a motor carrier safety program or the enforcement of related federal regulations; and (2) authorization to adopt procedures to place out of service the commercial motor vehicle of a foreign-domiciled or domestic motor carrier that fails to promptly allow a DOT property inspection and copying of records. (Sec. 503) Prescribes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for violation of operation out of service orders. (Sec. 504) Prescribes a minimum 10-day prohibition against operation in interstate commerce of the commercial motor vehicles if an owner or operator determined unfit. Applies this minimum period of prohibition to owners or operators of vehicles transporting passengers as well as those transporting hazardous materials (hazmat). (Sec. 505) Revises requirements for penalty schedules designed to induce timely compliance for persons failing to comply promptly with the requirements set forth in any notices and orders. Allows such penalties to include a minimum duration for any out of service period of up to 90 days. (Sec. 506) Authorizes the Secretary, or an authorized state official carrying out motor carrier safety enforcement activities, to enforce an imminent hazard out-of-service order, or a related regulation, by towing and impounding a commercial motor vehicle until the order is rescinded. (Sec. 507) Increases monetary penalties for evasion of specified regulations. (Sec. 508) Disqualifies from operating a commercial motor vehicle any individual assessed a civil penalty with respect to regulations governing motor vehicle safety, hazmat transportation, motor carriers, water carriers, brokers, or freight forwarders, if that individual fails to pay the penalty or fails to comply with the terms of a settlement with the Secretary. (Sec. 509) Eliminates ability to pay from consideration in determining the amount of a civil penalty for violations of commercial motor vehicle safety regulations. (Sec. 510) Requires the Secretary to disqualify an individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for up to 30 days if allowing the individual to continue to do so would create an imminent hazard in the sense of any condition of vehicle, employee, or commercial motor vehicle operations which substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death if not discontinued immediately. (Sec. 511) Prohibits the commercial motor vehicle operations of any employee, vehicle, or employer affecting interstate commerce if that employee, vehicle, or all or part of an employer's commercial motor vehicle operations is ordered out of service. Applies the same prohibition against any person prohibited from operating in interstate commerce because of nonpayment of penalties. (Sec. 512) Authorizes the Secretary to bring a civil action in a venue meeting specified criteria to enforce safety laws and regulations when violated by an employer, employee, or other person providing transportation or service. (Sec. 513) Authorizes the Secretary to disclose commercial motor vehicle safety-related information to appropriate personnel of state or local governmental agencies or instrumentalities authorized to carry out respective commercial motor vehicle safety activities and commercial driver's license laws. Title VI: Compliance, Safety, Accountability - (Sec. 601) Directs the Secretary to carry out a Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program to make compliance, safety, and accountability grants to assist states, local governments, and other entities and persons with motor carrier safety and enforcement activities and programs. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a New Entrant Safety Assurance Program of grants to states and local governments for 100% of the costs of pre-authorization safety audits and new entrant safety audits for commercial motor vehicle owners and operators. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to an entity, state, or other person for 100% of the costs of border commercial motor vehicle safety programs and related enforcement activities and projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for 80% of the costs of high priority activities and projects to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations. (Sec. 602) Revises requirements for the performance and registration information program. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a state's participation in the program, to implement a process to reinstate the vehicle registration or return the registration plates of a commercial motor vehicle that has been canceled or seized because of a commercial motor carrier's violation of an out-of-service order if the Secretary permits such carrier to resume operations after issuance of such order. Repeals the Secretary's authority to make a grant to a state to implement performance and registration information system management requirements. (Sec. 603) Revises the definition of a "commercial motor vehicle" to change the number of passengers it must be designed or used to transport from more than 10 (including the driver) to: (1) more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, or (2) more than 15 passengers (including the driver) if not for compensation. (Sec. 604) Revises commercial motor vehicle driver safety fitness requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain a procedure for determining a commercial motor vehicle driver's safety fitness and for prohibiting such driver from operating in interstate commerce. (Sec. 605) Authorizes the Secretary to withhold increasing percentages of a state's motor carrier safety improvement grant funds if for at least 180 days in successive fiscal years the state uses an electronic commercial motor vehicle inspection selection system that does not employ a DOT-approved selection methodology. (Sec. 606) Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for specified FMCSA programs in FY2012 and FY2013, including: (1) compliance, safety, and accountability grants, (2) data and technology grants, (3) driver safety grants, and (4) FMCSA administrative expenses. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Secretary to use FMCSA administrative expense funds to: (1) ensure a review is completed on each motor carrier that demonstrates through performance data that it poses the highest safety risk; and (2) require, at a minimum, that a review be conducted whenever a motor carrier is among the highest risk carriers for two consecutive months. (Relocates this existing requirement from the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users [SAFETEA-LU].) (Sec. 608) Directs the Secretary to establish a data and technology grant program to assist states with implementation and maintenance of commercial motor vehicle data systems. (Sec. 609) Revises CDL program improvement grant requirements. Converts the commercial driver's license program improvement grant program to a driver focused grant program to improve driver safety. (Sec. 610) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on resuming the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Program. Title VII: Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 - Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 - (Sec. 703) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring motorcoaches to be installed with: (1) safety belts at each seating position, (2) advanced glazing in each portal to prevent passenger ejection, (3) stability enhancing technology to reduce the number and frequency of rollover crashes, and (4) direct tire pressure monitoring systems. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations establishing improved strength and crush resistance standards for motorcoach roofs. (Sec. 704) Requires the Secretary to initiate rulemaking proceedings to establish: (1) flammability standards for motorcoach exterior and interior components, (2) requirements to prevent wheel well fires, and (3) requirements for motorcoaches to be equipped with improved designs for emergency passenger evacuation and fire suppression systems. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a final rule upgrading performance standards for tires used on motorcoaches, or (2) report to Congress on why such a standard is not warranted. (Sec. 705) Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct improved fire extinguisher, compartmentalization safety countermeasures, occupant impact protection, and collision avoidance research and testing; and (2) issue final motor vehicle safety standards if warranted. (Sec. 706) Authorizes the Secretary to register a person to provide motorcoach services only after that person: (1) undergoes a pre-authorization safety audit, including verification of drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance, and safety management programs; (2) has been interviewed about the carrier's safety management controls and written safety oversight policies and practices; and (3) has demonstrated proficiency to comply with such requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a fee to cover audit costs. Requires each newly registered motorcoach owner or operator transporting property to undergo a safety review within the first 18 months after operations begin. (Sec. 707) Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the safety fitness and assign a rating, updated triennially, for each registered motorcoach operator; and (2) establish a process for monitoring regularly the safety performance of each operator following the assignment of a rating. Prohibits a person from selling or offering to sell interstate motorcoach transportation services, or to provide broker services for such transportation, unless that person conspicuously displays at the point of sale or provision of broker services: (1) the legal name and DOT number of the single motor carrier responsible for the transportation and for compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and (2) the URL for the FMCSA website which posts motor carrier and commercial motor vehicle driver scores in the Safety Measurement System. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of such requirements. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring the prominent display of safety fitness ratings in each terminal of departure, motorcoach, and at all points of sale for motorcoach services by: (1) each motor carrier that owns or leases one or more motorcoaches; and (2) any person who sells tickets for motorcoach services. (Sec. 708) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility, benefits, and costs of establishing a certification system for motorcoach driver training programs of public and private schools and of motor carriers and motorcoach operators that provide such training. (Sec. 709) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on whether to require drivers operating passenger vans of 9 to 15 passengers (including driver) in interstate commerce to have a CDL passenger-carrying endorsement and be tested for drugs and alcohol. (Sec. 710) Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate the use of event data recorders on motorcoaches, and (2) issue standards based on the results of that evaluation. (Sec. 711) Directs the Secretary to complete a rulemaking proceeding to consider requiring states to conduct annual inspections of commercial passenger motor vehicles. (Sec. 712) Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices (including cell phones and other distracting devices) by motorcoach operators; and (2) prohibit their use in cases where they interfere with the driver's safe operation of a motorcoach, but not when necessary for driver or public safety in emergency situations. Title VIII: Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation - (Sec. 801) Directs the Secretary to study and compile a list of all state truck size and weight limit laws. Title IX: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 901) Directs the Secretary to task the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee to study the extent to which detention time contributes to motor carrier drivers violating hours of service requirements and driver fatigue. (Sec. 902) Requires minimum federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations to ensure that commercial motor vehicle operators are not coerced by a motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary to violate such regulations. (Sec. 903) Revises membership of the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee to include nonprofit employee labor organizations representing commercial motor vehicle drivers. Extends the termination date for the Committee from March 31, 2012, to September 30, 2013. (Sec. 904) Revises requirements with respect to the waiver of federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations. Repeals the limitation of the waiver of commercial motor vehicle regulations to nonemergency and unique events. Requires the Secretary to post on the Medical Review Board website: (1) any request for an exemption from the physical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers, and (2) specified information about any person granted such an exemption. Repeals the limitation to the Federal Register of the required publication of a detailed description of each pilot program to evaluate alternatives to regulations relating to, or innovative approaches to, motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety. Requires FMCSA website links to the Medical Review Board and exemptions websites. (Sec. 905) Prohibits the transportion of a horse from a place in a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or possession through or to a place in another state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory or possession in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of each other. Sets a civil penalty of between $100 and $500 for each violation of this prohibition, treating each horse so transported as a separate violation. Title X: Household Goods Transportation - (Sec. 1001) Requires the Secretary to register a person to provide transportation of household goods as a household goods motor carrier only after that person has also completed a DOT proficiency examination demonstrating knowledge and intent to comply with federal laws relating to consumer protection, estimating, consumers' rights and responsibilities, and options for limitations of liability for loss and damage. Revises household goods motor carrier registration requirements to require the Secretary to require registered household goods motor carriers to undergo a consumer protection standards review 18 months after beginning operations. (Sec.1002) Authorizes the United States to assign to an aggrieved shipper all or a portion of a civil penalty payable by a person who has held a household goods shipment hostage. Allows the Secretary to order a person found holding a household goods shipment hostage to return the goods to an aggrieved shipper. (Sec. 1003) Declares that nothing with regard to household goods civil penalties shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary from accepting partial payment of a civil penalty as part of a settlement agreement in the public interest, or from holding imposition of any part of a civil penalty in abeyance. (Sec. 1004) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement, through the FMCSA, a joint household goods transportation assistance program; and (2) establish a task force to develop recommendations to ensure consumers are informed of federal laws concerning the transportation of household goods by a motor carrier. Title XI: Technical Amendments - (Sec. 1101) Makes technical amendments to federal motor carrier vehicle safety requirements. Title XII: Surface Transportation and Freight Policy Act of 2011 - Surface Transportation and Freight Policy Act of 2011 - (Sec. 1202) Establishes national surface transportation and national freight transportation policies and goals. (Sec. 1203) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a strategic National Surface Transportation and Freight Performance Plan to: (1) assess the current performance of the national surface transportation system; (2) analyze emerging and long-term projected trends that will impact the performance, needs, and uses of such system; (3) include a strategy and investment plan to meet the policies and goals; and (4) provide a list of priority freight corridors and gateways to be improved and developed. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report the plan to Congress, and (2) post it on the DOT website. Requires the Secretary to develop performance criteria and data collections systems for each federal surface transportation program. (Sec. 1204) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop new or improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight and other surface transportation projects; and (2) collect transportation data to support a range of evaluation methods to assist in making transportation investment decisions. Directs the Secretary, in order to develop the tools and the Plan, to establish a pilot program to require the Secretary to select three to five states and MPOs for case studies designed to provide analysis and data collection with respect to transportation programs as well as to apply methods that measure the effectiveness of program participants in achieving national transportation goals. (Sec. 1205) Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive national freight infrastructure investment grant program to provide financial assistance for capital investments that improve the efficiency of the national transportation system to move freight. Specifies eligible kinds of projects, including: (1) a port development or improvement project; (2) a multimodal terminal facility project; (3) a land port of entry project; (4) a freight rail improvement or capacity expansion project; (5) an intelligent transportation system project primarily for freight benefit that reduces congestion or improves safety; (6) a project that improves access to a port or terminal facility; (7) a highway project to reduce congestion or improve safety; or (8) planning, preparation, or design of any such projects. Prescribes project selection criteria, with priority required for projects that have the highest system performance improvement relative to their benefit-cost analysis, as measured by the tools developed under this Act and those that support domestic manufacturing of goods. Sets a maximum federal share of any grant at 80% of the project net capital cost. Allows an applicant to enter into an agreement with any public, private, or nonprofit entity to implement any project cooperatively. Requires the Secretary to establish an oversight program to monitor the effective and efficient use of funds authorized to carry out this grant program. Requires a grant recipient for a project with an estimated total cost of $500 million or more, and a recipient for any other project identified by the Secretary, to submit for each project a project management plan and an annual financial plan. (Sec. 1206) Amends federal shipping law to revise Port Infrastructure Development Fund requirements. Eliminates certain prohibitions and exceptions with respect to certain transfers to the Fund. (Sec. 1207) Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office of Freight Planning and Development, headed by an Assistant Secretary, which shall: (1) coordinate investment of federal funding to improve the efficiency of the national transportation system to move freight consistent with specified policy and objectives; (2) facilitate communication among government, public, and private freight transportation stakeholders; and (3) support the Secretary in the development of the National Freight Transportation Strategic Plan. (Sec. 1208) Directs the Secretary to establish standards to ensure that the design of federal surface transportation projects provides, in all phases of project planning, development, and operation, for the safety of motorized and nonmotorized users of the transportation network. Authorizes the Secretary to waive application of such standards to states that have adopted laws or policies providing for the safe and adequate accommodation of such users.

commercial motor vehicle safety enhancement_act title commercial motor vehicle registration sec revises commercial motor vehicle registration requirements prohibit secretary registering person provide services person submitted comprehensive management plan place ensure compliance dot motor carrier safety regulations disclosed common ownership common management common control common familial relationships carrier motor carrier freight broker occurred years preceding filing application registration passed dot written proficiency examination secretary directed establish test motor carrier knowledge federal state motor carrier safety regulations standards orders sec reduces months months operations begin deadline mandatory safety reviews newly registered owners operators authorizes secretary register person provide services person undergoes pre authorization safety audit sec authorizes secretary withhold suspend amend revoke registration motor carrier broker freight failure obey subpoena issued secretary failure disclose application material fact relevant willingness ability comply federal law regulations registration condition related common ownership common management common control common familial relationship motor carrier broker freight requires secretary develop data analysis capacity programs means determine relationship sec directs secretary issue report appropriateness current minimum financial requirements bond insurance requirements motor carriers brokers freight later months publication report initiate rulemaking necessary revise requirements sec directs secretary register employer person subject safety jurisdiction regulation authorizes employer person operate commercial motor vehicle employer person registered secretary receives dot number sets forth conditions withholding revoking suspending registration sec eliminates limit registration fee new motor carrier registrants unified carrier registration system sec authorizes secretary require motor carrier broker freight update registration information later days change specified essential information sec increases civil penalties motor carriers foreign motor carriers passengers motor carriers hazardous waste failing comply certain reporting recordkeeping requirements operating registered sec revises requirement secretary revoke registration motor carrier conducting unsafe operations imminent hazard public health property makes revocation mandatory regardless unsafe operations present past sec increases range range civil penalties motor carrier motor carrier migrant workers motor private carrier failing respond subpoena requirement secretary appear testify produce records authorizes secretary withhold suspend amend revoke registration carrier failure obey subpoena requirement sec revises conditions service orders penalties operating required registration changes primary reference motor vehicles motor carriers authorizes secretary order motor carrier operations service motor carrier operating required registration sec revises requirements related duty employers employees comply commercial motor vehicle safety regulations prohibits motor carriers employers persons common ownership common management common control common familial relationship avoid compliance conceal noncompliance history noncompliance commercial motor vehicle safety regulations order secretary authorizes secretary impose appropriate sanctions violation prohibition applies sanctions conduct intentional knowing repeated instances negligent conduct sec authorizes secretary action pursuant federal commercial motor vehicle safety requirements successor motor carrier employer owner operator extent secretary action motor carrier employer owner operator title commercial motor vehicle safety sec repeals exemption brokers motor carriers passengers jurisdiction secretary surface_transportation_board stb sec redefines employer purposes application federal commercial motor vehicle safety standards include person offers rent lease interstate commerce motor vehicles transport passengers including driver location business provides names contact information drivers holds public charter bus company sec directs secretary analyze need standards property carrying commercial motor vehicles gross vehicle weight rating gross vehicle weight pounds involved interstate commerce sec authorizes secretary prohibit operating commercial motor vehicle interstate foreign commerce canadian employer received unfit safety determination operate vehicle authorized agency canada agency determines employer fit sec prescribes requirements respect state reporting federal convictions withdrawal database similar database motor vehicle related convictions foreign commercial drivers disqualification foreign commercial drivers driving influence alcohol controlled substance certain felony violations revocation registration foreign motor carrier failure comply order secretary stb pay certain civil penalties title iii driver safety sec directs secretary prescribe regulations require commercial motor vehicles involved interstate commerce operated driver subject federal hours service record duty status requirements equipped electronic board recording device meeting certain performance design standards requirements sec directs secretary ensuring relevant data accurate incorporate compliance safety accountability program safety fitness rating methodology assigns sufficient weight adverse vehicle driver performance based data crash risks warrant unsatisfactory rating commercial motor vehicle carrier sec revises medical examiner requirements requires secretary establish national_registry medical examiners requires medical examiner pass examination developed secretary order listed national_registry requires secretary review annually licensing agencies states assess accuracy validity timeliness physical examination reports medical examiner certificates submitted prescribes requirements electronic filing medical examiner certificates authorizes appropriations htf mass transit account grants states licensing agencies support development costs electronic filing systems sec requires employer ascertain months driving record commercial motor vehicle driver employs requires secretary issue minimum standards develop plan development national driver record notification system sec directs secretary issue final regulations establishing minimum entry level training requirements individual operators commercial motor vehicles sec revises commercial driver license cdl information system program requires comprehensive national plan modernize cdl information system specify states use systems receive submit conviction disqualification data requires state certain deadline implement state cdl information system practices exclusive electronic exchange driver history record information federal system including posting convictions withdrawals disqualifications requires state submit plan dot state cdl program plan complying requirements section period beginning date plan submitted ending september sec requires regulations minimum standards testing ensuring fitness commercial motor vehicle driver ensure individual taking tests subject disqualification noncommercial motor vehicle offense resulting resulted license revocation cancellation suspension including drug alcohol related offense sec authorizes secretary require state condition receiving commercial motor vehicle driver information program grant provide secretary access state licensing status driver history records electronic information system sec requires secretary disqualify individual operating commercial motor vehicle violation year disqualification multiple violations life disqualification rule operating commercial motor vehicle individual cdl revoked suspended canceled based individual operation motor vehicle regardless commercial non commercial sec defines disqualification federal law suspension revocation cancellation commercial driver license state issuance withdrawal individual privilege drive commercial motor vehicle state jurisdiction result violation state local law relating motor vehicle traffic control parking vehicle weight vehicle defect violation determination individual unfit qualified operate commercial motor vehicle sec revises certain employer responsibility requirements prohibits employer allowing employee operate commercial motor vehicle period employer reasonably know employee revoked suspended canceled driver license driver license title safe roads act safe roads act sec directs secretary establish national_clearinghouse verified positive alcohol controlled substance test results test refusals commercial motor vehicle operators violations federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration fmcsa alcohol controlled substances regulations prohibits employer hiring individual operate commercial motor vehicle preceding year period individual test positive use alcohol controlled substances completed return duty process initially testing positive refuse tested completed return duty process initially refusing tested violate fmcsa alcohol controlled substances regulations subjects employer employee medical review officer service agent certain civil criminal penalties violations requirements sec authorizes secretary require state revoke suspend cancel cdl commercial motor vehicle operator found alcohol controlled substance operator completes rehabilitation process changes mandatory discretionary authority secretary permanently disqualify operating commercial vehicle individual uses commercial vehicle commission felony involving manufacturing distributing dispensing controlled substance possession intent manufacture distribute dispense controlled substance alcohol controlled substance operation commercial vehicle times sec authorizes appropriations htf mass transit account secretary develop design implement national_clearinghouse title enforcement sec revises requirements enforcement specified regulations commercial motor vehicles including safety inspection carrier equipment employee recipient grant state motor carrier safety program enforcement related federal regulations authorization adopt procedures place service commercial motor vehicle foreign domiciled domestic motor carrier fails promptly allow dot property inspection copying records sec prescribes civil penalty violation operation service orders sec prescribes minimum day prohibition operation interstate commerce commercial motor vehicles owner operator determined unfit applies minimum period prohibition owners operators vehicles transporting passengers transporting hazardous materials hazmat sec revises requirements penalty schedules designed induce timely compliance persons failing comply promptly requirements set forth notices orders allows penalties include minimum duration service period days sec authorizes secretary authorized state official carrying motor carrier safety enforcement activities enforce imminent hazard service order related regulation towing commercial motor vehicle order rescinded sec increases monetary penalties evasion specified regulations sec disqualifies operating commercial motor vehicle individual assessed civil penalty respect regulations governing motor vehicle safety hazmat transportation motor carriers water carriers brokers freight individual fails pay penalty fails comply terms settlement secretary sec eliminates ability pay consideration determining civil penalty violations commercial motor vehicle safety regulations sec requires secretary disqualify individual operating commercial motor vehicle days allowing individual continue create imminent hazard sense condition vehicle employee commercial motor vehicle operations substantially increases likelihood injury death discontinued immediately sec prohibits commercial motor vehicle operations employee vehicle employer affecting interstate commerce employee vehicle employer commercial motor vehicle operations ordered service applies prohibition person prohibited operating interstate commerce nonpayment penalties sec authorizes secretary bring civil action venue meeting specified criteria enforce safety laws regulations violated employer employee person providing transportation service sec authorizes secretary disclose commercial motor vehicle safety related information appropriate personnel state local governmental agencies instrumentalities authorized carry respective commercial motor vehicle safety activities commercial driver license laws title compliance safety accountability sec directs secretary carry motor carrier safety assistance program compliance safety accountability grants assist states local governments entities persons motor carrier safety enforcement activities programs authorizes secretary carry new entrant safety assurance program grants states local governments costs pre authorization safety audits new entrant safety audits commercial motor vehicle owners operators authorizes secretary grants entity state person costs border commercial motor vehicle safety programs related enforcement activities projects authorizes secretary grants costs high priority activities projects improve commercial motor vehicle safety compliance commercial motor vehicle safety regulations sec revises requirements performance registration information program directs secretary condition state participation program implement process reinstate vehicle registration return registration commercial motor vehicle canceled seized commercial motor carrier violation service order secretary permits carrier resume operations issuance order repeals secretary authority grant state implement performance registration information system management requirements sec revises definition commercial motor vehicle change number passengers designed transport including driver passengers including driver compensation passengers including driver compensation sec revises commercial motor vehicle driver safety fitness requirements authorizes secretary maintain procedure determining commercial motor vehicle driver safety fitness prohibiting driver operating interstate commerce sec authorizes secretary withhold increasing percentages state motor carrier safety improvement grant funds days successive fiscal years state uses electronic commercial motor vehicle inspection selection system employ dot approved selection methodology sec authorizes appropriations htf mass transit account specified fmcsa programs fy2012 fy2013 including compliance safety accountability grants data technology grants driver safety grants fmcsa administrative expenses sec authorizes secretary use fmcsa administrative expense funds ensure review completed motor carrier demonstrates performance data poses highest safety risk require minimum review conducted motor carrier highest risk carriers consecutive months relocates existing requirement safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea sec directs secretary establish data technology grant program assist states implementation maintenance commercial motor vehicle data systems sec revises cdl program improvement grant requirements converts commercial driver license program improvement grant program driver focused grant program improve driver safety sec directs secretary report congress resuming commercial vehicle information systems networks program title vii enhanced safety act enhanced safety act sec directs secretary prescribe regulations requiring installed safety belts seating position advanced portal prevent passenger stability enhancing technology reduce number frequency rollover crashes direct tire pressure monitoring systems requires secretary prescribe regulations establishing improved strength resistance standards roofs sec requires secretary initiate rulemaking proceedings establish flammability standards exterior interior components requirements prevent wheel fires requirements equipped improved designs emergency passenger evacuation fire suppression systems directs secretary issue final rule upgrading performance standards tires report congress standard warranted sec requires secretary conduct improved fire safety countermeasures occupant impact protection collision avoidance research testing issue final motor vehicle safety standards warranted sec authorizes secretary register person provide services person undergoes pre authorization safety audit including verification drug alcohol testing vehicle maintenance safety management programs carrier safety management controls written safety oversight policies practices demonstrated proficiency comply requirements authorizes secretary establish fee cover audit costs requires newly registered owner operator transporting property undergo safety review months operations begin sec requires secretary determine safety fitness assign rating updated triennially registered operator establish process monitoring regularly safety performance operator following assignment rating prohibits person selling offering sell interstate transportation services provide broker services transportation person conspicuously displays point sale provision broker services legal dot number single motor carrier responsible transportation compliance federal motor carrier safety regulations fmcsa website posts motor carrier commercial motor vehicle driver scores safety measurement system prescribes civil penalties violations requirements directs secretary prescribe regulations requiring prominent display safety fitness ratings terminal departure points sale services motor carrier owns leases person sells tickets services sec directs secretary report congress feasibility benefits costs establishing certification system driver training programs public private schools motor carriers operators provide training sec directs secretary report congress require drivers operating passenger vans passengers including driver interstate commerce cdl passenger carrying endorsement tested drugs alcohol sec directs secretary evaluate use event data recorders issue standards based results evaluation sec directs secretary complete rulemaking proceeding consider requiring states conduct annual inspections commercial passenger motor vehicles sec requires secretary prescribe regulations use electronic wireless devices including cell phones devices operators prohibit use cases interfere driver safe operation necessary driver public safety emergency situations title viii safe highways infrastructure preservation sec directs secretary study compile list state truck size weight limit laws title miscellaneous sec directs secretary task motor carrier safety advisory_committee study extent detention time contributes motor carrier drivers violating hours service requirements driver fatigue sec requires minimum federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations ensure commercial motor vehicle operators coerced motor carrier shipper receiver transportation intermediary violate regulations sec revises membership motor carrier safety advisory_committee include nonprofit employee labor organizations representing commercial motor vehicle drivers extends termination date committee march september sec revises requirements respect waiver federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations repeals limitation waiver commercial motor vehicle regulations nonemergency unique events requires secretary post medical review board website request exemption physical qualification standards commercial motor vehicle drivers specified information person granted exemption repeals limitation federal_register required publication detailed description pilot program evaluate alternatives regulations relating innovative approaches motor carrier commercial motor vehicle driver safety requires fmcsa website links medical review board exemptions websites sec prohibits horse place state district_of_columbia territory possession place state district_of_columbia territory possession motor vehicle containing levels sets civil penalty violation prohibition treating horse transported separate violation title household goods transportation sec requires secretary register person provide transportation household goods household goods motor carrier person completed dot proficiency examination demonstrating knowledge intent comply federal laws relating consumer protection estimating consumers rights responsibilities options limitations liability loss damage revises household goods motor carrier registration requirements require secretary require registered household goods motor carriers undergo consumer protection standards review months beginning operations authorizes united_states assign aggrieved shipper portion civil penalty payable person held household goods shipment hostage allows secretary order person found holding household goods shipment hostage return goods aggrieved shipper sec declares regard household goods civil penalties shall construed prohibit secretary accepting partial payment civil penalty settlement agreement public interest holding imposition civil penalty sec directs secretary develop implement fmcsa joint household goods transportation assistance program establish task_force develop recommendations ensure consumers informed federal laws concerning transportation household goods motor carrier title technical amendments sec makes technical amendments federal motor carrier vehicle safety requirements title xii surface_transportation freight policy act surface_transportation freight policy act sec establishes national surface_transportation national freight transportation policies goals sec directs secretary develop implement strategic national surface_transportation freight performance plan assess current performance national surface_transportation system analyze emerging long term projected trends impact performance needs uses system include strategy investment plan meet policies goals provide list priority freight corridors improved developed requires secretary report plan congress post dot website requires secretary develop performance criteria data collections systems federal surface_transportation program sec directs secretary develop new improve existing tools support outcome oriented performance based approach evaluate proposed freight surface_transportation projects collect transportation data support range evaluation methods assist making transportation investment decisions directs secretary order develop tools plan establish pilot program require secretary select states mpos case studies designed provide analysis data collection respect transportation programs apply methods measure effectiveness program participants achieving national transportation goals sec directs secretary establish competitive national freight infrastructure investment grant program provide financial assistance capital investments improve efficiency national transportation system freight specifies eligible kinds projects including port development improvement project multimodal terminal facility project land port entry project freight rail improvement capacity expansion project transportation system project primarily freight benefit reduces congestion improves safety project improves access port terminal facility highway project reduce congestion improve safety planning preparation design projects prescribes project selection criteria priority required projects highest system performance improvement relative benefit cost analysis measured tools developed act support domestic manufacturing goods sets maximum federal share grant project net capital cost allows applicant enter agreement public private nonprofit entity implement project cooperatively requires secretary establish oversight program monitor effective efficient use funds authorized carry grant program requires grant recipient project estimated total cost million recipient project identified secretary submit project project management plan annual financial plan sec amends federal shipping law revise port infrastructure development fund requirements eliminates certain prohibitions exceptions respect certain transfers fund sec establishes office_of_the_secretary office freight planning development headed assistant secretary shall coordinate investment federal funding improve efficiency national transportation system freight consistent specified policy objectives facilitate communication government public private freight transportation stakeholders support secretary development national freight transportation strategic plan sec directs secretary establish standards ensure design federal surface_transportation projects provides phases project planning development operation safety motorized nonmotorized users transportation network authorizes secretary waive application standards states adopted laws policies providing safe adequate accommodation users


Summary: Commuter Protection Act - Amends the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 to expand the requirement that certain bridge tolls be just and reasonable to all bridges or tunnels constructed on a federal-aid highway. (Current law applies the just and reasonable toll requirement only to bridges constructed under the Bridge Act of 1906, the General Bridge Act of 1946, or the International Bridge Act of 1972.) Requires that tolls for all such bridges and tunnels be subject to review and regulation by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), upon complaint or the initiative of the Secretary, including with respect to increases in the amount of tolls. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to define, determine, and, when appropriate, prescribe just and reasonable toll rates. Requires that such regulations: (1) establish an administrative complaint process for aggrieved persons to challenge such determinations or toll rate increases on bridges or tunnels, (2) authorize the Secretary or an administrative law judge to conduct investigations and hold formal hearings on such complaints, and (3) permit complainants to seek judicial review of a final administrative determination in a U.S. district court. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) evaluate the use of tolls by interstate authorities to maintain and improve surface transportation facilities, and (2) make recommendations to increase transparency and accountability of the funding decisions by those authorities.

commuter protection act_-_amends surface_transportation uniform relocation assistance_act expand requirement certain bridge tolls reasonable bridges tunnels constructed federal aid highway current law applies reasonable toll requirement bridges constructed bridge act general bridge act international bridge act requires tolls bridges tunnels subject review regulation secretary transportation dot complaint initiative secretary including respect increases tolls directs secretary promulgate regulations define determine appropriate prescribe reasonable toll rates requires regulations establish administrative complaint process aggrieved persons challenge determinations toll rate increases bridges tunnels authorize secretary administrative law judge conduct investigations hold formal hearings complaints permit seek judicial review final administrative determination district_court directs comptroller_general evaluate use tolls interstate authorities maintain improve surface_transportation facilities recommendations increase transparency accountability funding decisions authorities


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe regulations requiring each motor carrier owning or leasing at least one motorcoach transporting passengers subject to DOT jurisdiction to display prominently in each motorcoach an understandable letter grade rating system allowing motorcoach passengers to compare the safety performance of motorcoach operators. Requires that such regulations also require motor carriers and any person selling motorcoach tickets to display the rating system in all announcements, advertisements, and points of sale for such motorcoach services and operations. Defines "motorcoach" as the term "over-the-road bus" is defined under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, except that "motorcoach": (1) includes a motor vehicle used to transport passengers that has a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds, and (2) excludes a bus used in public transportation that is provided by a state or local government or a school bus.

directs secretary transportation dot prescribe regulations requiring motor carrier owning leasing transporting passengers subject dot jurisdiction display prominently understandable letter grade rating system allowing passengers compare safety performance operators requires regulations require motor carriers person selling tickets display rating system announcements advertisements points sale services operations defines term road bus defined transportation equity act 21st century includes motor vehicle transport passengers gross vehicle weight pounds excludes bus public transportation provided state local government school bus


Summary: Highway Investment, Job Creation, and Economic Growth Act of 2012 - Title I: Extension of Highway Trust Fund Expenditure Authority and Related Taxes - (Sec. 101) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through September 30, 2013, the expenditure authority for the Highway Trust Fund; and (2) extend through September 30, 2015, current excise tax rates on motor fuels (i.e., gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene, and special motor fuels), excise taxes on heavy highway vehicles and highway tires, and the use tax on heavy vehicles. Title II: Other Provisions - (Sec. 201) Extends through 2012: (1) the special exemption for small bond issuers (issuers of $10 million or less of tax-exempt obligations in a calendar year) from tax-exempt interest expense allocation rules, (2) the exemption of tax-exempt interest on private activity bonds from treatment as an item of tax preference for alternative minimum tax (AMT) purposes, and (3) the equalization of the tax exclusion for employer-provided mass transit and parking benefits. (Sec. 203) Allows a state, through a state infrastructure bank, to issue transportation and regional infrastructure project (TRIP) bonds and deposit proceeds into the TRIP bond account of the bank. Requires such proceeds to be used for capital improvements to any transportation infrastructure project of any governmental unit or other person, including roads, bridges, rail and transit systems, ports, and inland waterways. (Sec. 205) Exempts sewage and water facility bonds issued before January 1, 2018, from the volume cap applicable to private activity bonds. Title III: Revenue Provisions - (Sec. 301) Transfers to the Highway Trust Fund: (1) $3 billion from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund, (2) one-third of the LUST Trust Fund financing rate with respect to motor fuels, (3) revenue from the gas guzzler tax, (4) additional revenue from restrictions placed on the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit by this Act, and (5) certain tariffs on motor cars and other motor vehicles with a specified cylinder capacity. (Sec. 303) Prohibits after February 3, 2012, claims under the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit for fuels containing more than a 4% combination of water and sediment, an ash content of more than 1%, or an acid number greater than 25. (Sec. 305) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the Secretary of State of the identity of any individual who has a seriously delinquent tax debt in excess of $50,000 (adjusted for inflation after 2012) for action with respect to the denial, revocation, or limitation of a passport for such individual. (Sec. 306) Imposes the 100% continuous levy on payments due to Medicare providers and suppliers for delinquent tax debts. (Sec. 308) Allows nonrecognition of gain for income tax purposes in a corporate reorganization for corporations that exchange property solely for stock other than nonqualified preferred stock. (Sec. 309) Allows the enforcement of a federal tax levy on thrift savings plan accounts. (Sec. 310) Modifies rules for required distributions from tax-exempt pension plans to an employee who dies before such employee's entire interest is distributed to require such interest to be distributed within five years after the death of such employee, subject to exceptions for eligible designated beneficiaries and surviving spouses of such employee. Defines "eligible designated beneficiary" to include a disabled or chronically-ill individual. Modifies the rule for required distributions from tax-exempt pension plans for an employee who becomes a 5% owner of the employer establishing such plan after reaching age 70-1/2 to allow distributions to begin after the date such employee obtains such ownership interest. (Sec. 311) Requires a 45-year recovery period for the depreciation of applicable leased highway property, using the straight line method of depreciation. Defines "applicable leased highway property" as highway property subject to a lease to a private entity from a state or locality, under which such entity receives a right-of way on public lands underlying the highway property and a grant of a franchise permitting the entity to receive funds (e.g., tolls) from the operation of such highway. Requires that the amortization period of intangibles relating to applicable leased highway property shall not be less than the term of the applicable lease for such property. (Sec. 312) Extends through 2021 the authority for transfers of excess pension assets of a defined benefit plan to a retiree health benefits account. (Sec. 313) Allows the transfer of excess pension assets of a defined benefit plan to a retiree group term life insurance account.

highway investment job creation economic growth act title extension highway_trust_fund expenditure authority related taxes sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend september expenditure authority highway_trust_fund extend september current excise tax rates motor fuels gasoline diesel fuel kerosene special motor fuels excise taxes heavy highway vehicles highway tires use tax heavy vehicles title provisions sec extends special exemption small bond issuers issuers million tax exempt obligations calendar year tax exempt interest expense allocation rules exemption tax exempt interest private activity bonds treatment item tax preference alternative minimum tax amt purposes equalization tax exclusion employer provided mass transit parking benefits sec allows state state infrastructure bank issue transportation regional infrastructure project trip bonds deposit proceeds trip bond account bank requires proceeds capital improvements transportation infrastructure project governmental unit person including roads bridges rail transit systems ports inland waterways sec exempts sewage water facility bonds issued january volume cap applicable private activity bonds title iii revenue provisions sec transfers highway_trust_fund billion leaking underground storage tank trust_fund trust_fund financing rate respect motor fuels revenue gas tax additional revenue restrictions placed cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit act certain tariffs motor cars motor vehicles specified capacity sec prohibits february claims cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit fuels containing combination water sediment ash content acid number greater sec requires secretary treasury notify secretary state identity individual seriously delinquent tax debt excess adjusted inflation action respect denial revocation limitation passport individual sec imposes continuous levy payments medicare providers suppliers delinquent tax debts sec allows nonrecognition gain income tax purposes corporate reorganization corporations exchange property solely stock nonqualified preferred stock sec allows enforcement federal tax levy thrift savings plan accounts sec modifies rules required distributions tax exempt pension plans employee dies employee entire interest distributed require interest distributed years death employee subject exceptions eligible designated beneficiaries surviving spouses employee defines eligible designated beneficiary include disabled chronically ill individual modifies rule required distributions tax exempt pension plans employee owner employer establishing plan reaching age allow distributions begin date employee obtains ownership interest sec requires year recovery period depreciation applicable leased highway property straight line method depreciation defines applicable leased highway property highway property subject lease private entity state locality entity receives right way public lands underlying highway property grant franchise permitting entity receive funds tolls operation highway requires amortization period relating applicable leased highway property shall term applicable lease property sec extends authority transfers excess pension assets defined benefit plan retiree health benefits account sec allows transfer excess pension assets defined benefit plan retiree group term life insurance account


Summary: Revises state agency authority with respect to operation of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facilities. Replaces the exception from general HOV restrictions for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles with one for alternative fuel vehicles and new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Authorizes a state agency (including a state transportation department) with jurisdiction over the operation of an HOV facility to permit alternative fuel vehicles and new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles to use HOV lane highways. Requires states to establish procedures for enforcing restrictions on such vehicles operating on HOV lane highways. Requires a state agency which collects tolls on HOV facilities for their use by vehicles not otherwise exempted from HOV restrictions to use excess toll revenues for certain highway projects, giving priority consideration to those for developing alternatives to single occupancy vehicle travel and projects for improving highway safety. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Transportation and states should provide additional incentives (including the use of HOV lanes on state Interstate System highways and routes) for the purchase and use of advanced technology and dedicated alternative fuel vehicles.

revises state agency authority respect operation high occupancy vehicle hov facilities replaces exception general hov restrictions low emission energy efficient vehicles alternative fuel vehicles new qualified plug electric drive motor vehicles authorizes state agency including state transportation department jurisdiction operation hov facility permit alternative fuel vehicles new qualified plug electric drive motor vehicles use hov lane highways requires states establish procedures enforcing restrictions vehicles operating hov lane highways requires state agency collects tolls hov facilities use vehicles exempted hov restrictions use excess toll revenues certain highway projects giving priority consideration developing alternatives single occupancy vehicle travel projects improving highway safety expresses sense congress secretary transportation states provide additional incentives including use hov lanes state interstate system highways routes purchase use advanced technology dedicated alternative fuel vehicles


Summary: Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2012 - Requires a rental company that receives a Secretary of Transportation (DOT) ordered notification from the manufacturer of a covered rental vehicle of equipment defect, or noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, during the vehicle rental period to contact the renter and any authorized driver of the vehicle about the defect or noncompliance. Covers a rental vehicle: (1) rated at 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less, (2) rented without a driver for an initial term of under 4 months, and (3) that is part of a motor vehicle fleet of 5 or more motor vehicles used for rental purposes by a rental company. Authorizes a rental company that receives notification of a defect or the noncompliance of a new vehicle or new replacement vehicle equipment in the company's possession to rent such vehicle or equipment only if the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Prohibits a rental company from knowingly making inoperable any safety devices or elements of design installed on or in a compliant motor vehicle or vehicle equipment unless the company reasonably believes such vehicle or equipment will not be used when the devices or elements are inoperable. Authorizes the Secretary, upon request, to inspect records of a rental company with respect to a safety investigation. Authorizes the Secretary to require a rental company to keep records or make reports for purposes of compliance with federal motor vehicle safety orders or regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to study the effectiveness of the amendments made by this Act and of other activities of rental companies.

safe rental car act requires rental company receives secretary transportation dot ordered notification manufacturer covered rental vehicle equipment defect noncompliance federal motor vehicle safety standards vehicle rental period contact authorized driver vehicle defect noncompliance covers rental vehicle rated pounds gross vehicle weight rented driver initial term months motor vehicle fleet motor vehicles rental purposes rental company authorizes rental company receives notification defect noncompliance new vehicle new replacement vehicle equipment company possession rent vehicle equipment defect noncompliance remedied prohibits rental company knowingly making inoperable safety devices elements design installed compliant motor vehicle vehicle equipment company reasonably believes vehicle equipment devices elements inoperable authorizes secretary request inspect records rental company respect safety investigation authorizes secretary require rental company records reports purposes compliance federal motor vehicle safety orders regulations authorizes secretary study effectiveness amendments act activities rental companies


Summary: Denali Commission Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Amends the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (the Act) to revise requirements concerning the composition of the membership of the Denali Commission. Appoints Commission members to four-year terms. Directs the Commission, in carrying out construction projects or activities under the Act, to require a cost share of: (1) up to 50% of the total cost of the project or activity; or (2) up to 20% of the total cost of a project or activity carried out in a distressed community. Exempts preconstruction procedures from such cost share requirements. Requires the Commission to seek comments from rural Alaska communities and other stakeholder groups regarding rural development needs. Rewrites the duties of the Commission. Instructs Commission members to: (1) advise the Commission regarding coordinated infrastructure planning among and for rural Alaskan communities, the state of Alaska, federal agencies, and other governmental and nongovernmental entities; (2) annually establish a list of priorities of the Commission for such communities; and (3) review ongoing and completed Commission-funded projects and programs. Makes the Cochairperson responsible for Commission operational matters, including budgetary matters. Revises requirements regarding demonstration health projects. Authorizes appropriations. Rewrites provisions concerning the powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to use the services of the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce. Makes permanent the authorization of appropriations for the Commission to carry out the Act. Repeals provisions regarding: (1) the exemption of the Commission from the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and (2) the Economic Development Committee. Requires the federal Cochairperson to establish a Budget Committee to serve the Commission.

denali_commission reauthorization act amends denali_commission act act revise requirements concerning composition membership denali_commission appoints commission members year terms directs commission carrying construction projects activities act require cost share total cost project activity total cost project activity carried distressed community exempts preconstruction procedures cost share requirements requires commission seek comments rural alaska communities stakeholder groups rural_development needs rewrites duties commission instructs commission members advise commission coordinated infrastructure planning rural alaskan communities state alaska federal agencies governmental nongovernmental entities annually establish list priorities commission communities review ongoing completed commission funded projects programs makes responsible commission operational matters including budgetary matters revises requirements demonstration health projects authorizes appropriations rewrites provisions concerning powers commission requires commission use services inspector_general department_of_commerce makes permanent authorization appropriations commission carry act repeals provisions exemption commission federal_advisory_committee_act economic development committee requires federal establish budget committee serve commission


Summary:
Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2013 - Allows a state to authorize a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) exceeding certain federal weight limitations to operate on Interstate Highway System (IHS) routes in the state if: (1) the vehicle is equipped with at least six axles, (2) the weight of any single axle does not exceed 20,000 pounds, (3) the weight of any tandem axle does not exceed 34,000 pounds, (4) the weight of any group of 3 or more axles does not exceed 51,000 pounds, and (5) the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 97,000 pounds.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a safe and efficient vehicle bridge infrastructure improvement program. Requires the Secretary to apportion amounts from the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund to states for eligible bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax on any vehicles that exceed federal weight limitations (gross vehicle weight in excess of 80,000 pounds) operating on the IHS, and (2) establish the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund.

safe efficient transportation act allows state authorize vehicle maximum gross weight including enforcement tolerances exceeding certain federal weight limitations operate interstate highway system ihs routes state vehicle equipped weight single exceed pounds weight exceed pounds weight group exceed pounds gross weight vehicle exceed pounds directs secretary transportation establish safe efficient vehicle bridge infrastructure improvement program requires secretary apportion amounts safe efficient vehicle trust_fund states eligible bridge replacement rehabilitation projects amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose tax vehicles exceed federal weight limitations gross vehicle weight excess pounds operating ihs establish safe efficient vehicle trust_fund


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act - Requires the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area in North Carolina to be managed in accordance with the Interim Protected Species Management Strategy/Environmental Assessment issued by the National Park Service (NPS) on June 13, 2007, for the Recreational Area until the Secretary of the Interior issues a new final rule that meets the additional restrictions specified below. Bars the imposition of any additional restrictions on pedestrian or motorized vehicular access to any part of the Recreation Area for species protection beyond those in the Interim Management Strategy, other than as specifically authorized pursuant to this Act.

Allows the Secretary if, based on peer-reviewed science and after public comment, it is determined that additional restrictions on access to a part of the Recreation Area are necessary to protect endangered species, to only restrict pedestrian and vehicular access for recreational activities for the shortest possible time and on the smallest possible portions of such area.

Prohibits the final rule titled "Special Regulations, Areas of the National Park System, Cape Hatteras National Seashore--Off-Road Vehicle Management" from having any force or effect.

Invalidates the April 30, 2008, consent decree filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina regarding off-road vehicle use at the Seashore.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated preserving access cape national seashore recreational area act_-_requires cape national seashore recreational area north_carolina managed accordance interim protected species management strategy environmental assessment issued national_park_service nps june recreational area secretary interior issues new final rule meets additional restrictions specified bars imposition additional restrictions pedestrian motorized vehicular access recreation_area species protection interim management strategy specifically authorized pursuant act allows secretary based peer reviewed science public comment determined additional restrictions access recreation_area necessary protect endangered species restrict pedestrian vehicular access recreational activities shortest possible time smallest possible portions area prohibits final rule titled special regulations areas national_park_system cape national seashore road vehicle management having force effect invalidates april consent decree filed united_states_district_court eastern_district north_carolina road vehicle use seashore


Summary:
Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Prevention Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds for FY2016-FY2018 if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing a law requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 180 days on each motor vehicle operated by an individual convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence (having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater).

Authorizes reduction of the 180-day period to 90 days if: (1) the driver's license is suspended for a minimum of 180 days as a result of the conviction, and (2) the period for installation of an ignition interlock device begins after the last day of the suspension.

drunk driving repeat offender prevention act directs secretary transportation dot withhold specified graduated percentages state apportionment certain federal aid highway funds fy2016 fy2018 state enacted enforcing law requiring installation ignition device minimum days motor vehicle operated individual convicted driving intoxicated driving influence having blood alcohol concentration greater authorizes reduction day period days driver license suspended minimum days result conviction period installation ignition device begins day suspension


Summary:
Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) from providing grants or funds to a state, county, town, or township, Indian tribe, municipal, or other local government for use in any program to check helmet usage or create checkpoints for a motorcycle driver or passenger.

Repeals the authority of the Secretary to make grants to states that have a law which makes it unlawful for any individual on an operating motorcycle to be without a motorcycle helmet.

Revises grant eligibility requirements to eliminate the requirement that states achieve a certain rate of compliance with such law.

stop checkpoint funding act prohibits secretary transportation dot providing grants funds state county town township indian tribe municipal local government use program check helmet usage create checkpoints driver passenger repeals authority secretary grants states law makes unlawful individual operating helmet revises grant eligibility requirements eliminate requirement states achieve certain rate compliance law


Summary:
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2013 - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the state on June 1, 2008, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date.

Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the NHS (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under state law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by state law on June 1, 2008; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such state on or before June 1, 2008. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on January 4, 1975; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to state (grandfather) law. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the NHS, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower state weight limits; or (2) a state allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the NHS that could have been lawfully operated on June 1, 2008.

safe highways infrastructure preservation act prohibits state prescribing enforcing regulation allows restricted property carrying unit trailer semi trailer container property carrying unit longer feet fire fighting unit operate national highway system including interstate system operation unit authorized state june actual lawful operation regular periodic basis including seasonal operations date prohibits state allowing operation commercial motor vehicle combination vehicle load dismantled divided easily issued special permit state law property carrying unit excluding truck property carrying units maximum combination trailer semi trailer type length limitation allowed state law june length property carrying units commercial motor vehicle combinations specific configuration actual lawful operation regular periodic basis including continual seasonal operation state june prohibits state allowing operation vehicle combination longer combination vehicle exceeding interstate weight limits interstate system operation lawful july case overall gross weight group consecutive january special permit pursuant state grandfather law declares interstate weight limitations vehicles combinations longer combination vehicles operate interstate system shall apply vehicles combinations operate non interstate segments segments subject lower state weight limits state allows operation vehicle combination existing non interstate segment lawfully operated june


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 Permits the continued operation of trucks on any segment of the U.S. Route 41 corridor in Wisconsin designated as a route on the Interstate System that could operate legally on such segment before that designation without regard to federal weight limitation requirements.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated permits continued operation trucks segment route corridor wisconsin designated route interstate system operate legally segment designation regard federal weight limitation requirements


Summary:
Strengthen And Fortify Existing Bridges Act of 2013 or SAFE Bridges Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program to assist states to rehabilitate or replace bridges found to be structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, or fracture critical.

Requires states to use apportioned program funds for projects to rehabilitate and replace such bridges.

Sets the federal share of project costs at 100%.

strengthen existing bridges act safe bridges act directs secretary transportation dot establish program assist states rehabilitate replace bridges found deficient functionally obsolete fracture critical requires states use apportioned program funds projects rehabilitate replace bridges sets federal share project costs


Summary:
Safe Streets Act of 2013 - Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects, with certain exceptions, to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles.

Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, freight vehicles, and individuals with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development.

Allows such law or policy to make project-specific exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population, employment densities, traffic volumes, or level of transit service around a roadway is so low that the expected roadway users will not include pedestrians, public transportation, freight vehicles, or bicyclists; and (2) all such exemptions are properly approved.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a method for evaluating compliance by state departments of transportation and MPOs with complete streets principles.

Requires the Access Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way.

Requires the Secretary to conduct research regarding complete streets to: (1) assist states, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in developing and implementing complete streets-compliant plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training programs; and (2) establish benchmarks for, and provide technical guidance on, implementing complete streets policies and principles.

safe streets act requires state effect years law state department_of_transportation metropolitan planning organization mpo explicit policy statement requires federally funded transportation projects certain exceptions accommodate safety convenience users accordance certain complete streets principles defines complete streets principles federal state local regional level transportation laws policies principles ensure safety convenience users transportation system including pedestrians public transit users children older individuals freight vehicles individuals disabilities accommodated phases project planning development allows law policy project specific exemptions principles affected prohibit specified users law cost compliance project excessively disproportionate need population employment traffic volumes level transit service roadway low expected roadway users include pedestrians public transportation freight vehicles exemptions properly approved requires secretary transportation dot establish method evaluating compliance state departments transportation mpos complete streets principles requires access board issue final standards accessibility new construction alterations pedestrian facilities public rights way requires secretary conduct research complete streets assist states mpos local jurisdictions developing implementing complete streets compliant plans projects procedures policies training programs establish benchmarks provide technical guidance implementing complete streets policies principles