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H.R. 3562House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

Vision Zero Act of 2021

Sponsored by Earl BlumenauerRep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Introduced May 28, 2021

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 3:48 AM UTC

The Vision Zero Act of 2021 lets states use money from the surface transportation block grant program and the highway safety improvement program to create and carry out Vision Zero plans in eligible localities. These plans aim to dramatically cut or eliminate traffic‑related deaths and serious injuries within a timeframe of up to 20 years. The bill requires the plans to include safety strategies, public education, equity for low‑income and minority communities, and a system for tracking progress. It also adds language to existing highway safety statutes to reference Vision Zero efforts.

Key Provisions

  • Allows states to apply surface transportation block grant and highway safety improvement program funds toward Vision Zero plans in eligible localities
  • Defines Vision Zero plans as initiatives to reduce or eliminate transportation‑related fatalities and serious injuries within a maximum 20‑year period, including strategies, public education, equity considerations, and progress‑evaluation mechanisms
  • Permits inclusion of complete‑streets and active‑transportation projects that connect communities, integrate with public transit, and improve options for low‑income and minority populations
  • Prohibits any federal funds from being used to enforce a Vision Zero plan
  • Amends Title 23 sections 148 and 150 to reference Vision Zero plans and to add language about reducing vehicle speed and including vision‑zero efforts in safety planning

Legislative Activity

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3 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Highways and Transit Subcommittee

May 28, 2021

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 28, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E590)

May 28, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

May 28, 2021

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Highways and Transit Subcommittee

May 28, 2021

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued May 28, 2021

I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 3562

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 28, 2021

Mr. Blumenauer (for himself and Ms. Pressley) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL

To allow States to use funding provided under the surface transportation block grant program and the highway safety improvement program to develop and implement vision zero plans in eligible localities, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Vision Zero Act of 2021.

2.

Vision zero

(a)

In general

A local government, metropolitan planning organization, or regional transportation planning organization may develop and implement a vision zero plan to significantly reduce or eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries within a specified timeframe, not to exceed 20 years.

(b)

Use of funds

Amounts apportioned to a State under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code, may be used to carry out a vision zero plan under this section.

(c)

Contents of plan

A vision zero plan under this section shall include—

(1)

a description of programs, strategies, or policies intended to significantly reduce or eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries within a specified timeframe, not to exceed 20 years, that is consistent with a State strategic highway safety plan and uses existing transportation data and consideration of risk factors;

(2)

plans for the implementation of, and education of the public about, such programs, strategies, and policies;

(3)

a description of how such programs, strategies, or policies will—

(A)

equitably invest in the safety needs of low-income and minority communities; and

(B)

protect the rights of members of such communities with respect to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.); and

(4)

a description of a mechanism to evaluate progress of the development and implementation of the plan, including the gathering and use of transportation safety and demographic data.

(d)

Inclusions

A vision zero plan may include a complete streets prioritization plan that identifies a specific list of projects to—

(1)

create a connected network of active transportation facilities, including sidewalks, bikeways, or pedestrian and bicycle trails, to connect communities and provide safe, reliable, affordable, and convenient access to employment, housing, and services, consistent with the goals described in section 150(b) of title 23, United States Code;

(2)

integrate active transportation facilities with public transportation service or improve access to public transportation; and

(3)

improve transportation options for low-income and minority communities.

(e)

Coordination

A vision zero plan under this section shall provide for coordination of various subdivisions of a unit of local government in the implementation of the plan.

(f)

Restriction on use of funds

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be used to enforce a vision zero plan.

(g)

Safety performance management

A vision zero plan under this section is not sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the safety performance or planning requirements of section 148 or 150 of title 23, United States Code.

(h)

Amendment to section 148

Section 148 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(4)(B)(xiii) by inserting , including the development of a vision zero plan under the Vision Zero Act of 2021 after safety planning;

(2)

in subsection (c)(2)(B)(i) by inserting excessive design speeds and speed limits, after crossing needs,; and

(3)

in subsection (h)(1)(A) by inserting , including any efforts to reduce vehicle speed after under this section.

(i)

Amendment to section 150

Section 150(b)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting or elimination after significant reduction.