109 S352 IS: Highway Formula Modernization Act of 2023 U.S. Senate 2023-02-09 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II118th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 352IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 9, 2023Mr. Kelly (for himself and Mr. Cruz) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo require the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a highway formula modernization study, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Highway Formula Modernization Act of 2023.

2.

Highway formula modernization study

(a)

In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation (referred to in this section as the Secretary), in consultation with State departments of transportation and representatives of local governments (including metropolitan planning organizations), shall conduct a highway formula modernization study to assess the method and data used to apportion Federal-aid highway funds under subsections (b) and (c) of section 104 of title 23, United States Code, and issue recommendations relating to that method and data.(b)

Assessment

The highway formula modernization study required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of, based on the latest available data, whether the apportionment method described in that subsection results in—(1)an equitable distribution of funds based on the estimated tax payments attributable to—(A)highway users in the State that are paid into the Highway Trust Fund; and(B)individuals in the State that are paid to the Treasury, based on contributions to the Highway Trust Fund from the general fund of the Treasury; and(2)the achievement of the goals described in section 101(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code.(c)

Considerations

In the assessment under subsection (b), the Secretary shall consider the following:(1)The factors described in sections 104(b), 104(f)(2), 104(h)(2), 130(f), and 144(e) of title 23, United States Code, as in effect on the date of enactment of SAFETEA–LU (Public Law 109–59; 119 Stat. 1144).(2)The availability and accuracy of data necessary to calculate formula apportionments under the factors described in paragraph (1).(3)The measures established under section 150 of title 23, United States Code, and whether those measures are appropriate for consideration as formula apportionment factors.(4)Any other factors that the Secretary determines are appropriate.(d)

Recommendations

The Secretary, in consultation with State departments of transportation and representatives of local governments (including metropolitan planning organizations), shall develop recommendations on a new apportionment method, including—(1)the factors recommended to be included in the new apportionment method;(2)the weighting recommended to be applied to the factors recommended under paragraph (1); and(3)any other recommendations to ensure that the new apportionment method best achieves an equitable distribution of funds described under subsection (b)(1) and the goals described in subsection (b)(2). (e)

Reports to Congress

(1)

Interim reports

Not less frequently than annually during the period during which the Secretary is carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress an interim report on the progress of the study.(2)

Final report

On completion of the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final report on the results of the study, including the recommendations under subsection (d).