S. 195 — Introduced in Senate

II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 195 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 3, 2021Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mr. Blumenthal) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To amend title 23, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Transportation to provide States applying for distracted driving grants an explanation of the eligibility decision with respect to the State, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the States Afforded Funding Extensions To Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements Act or the SAFE TO DRIVE Act. 2. National priority safety programs Section 405(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following: (6) Additional distracted driving grants (A) In general Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use up to 25 percent of the amounts available for grants under this subsection to award grants to any State that— (i) is otherwise ineligible for a grant under this subsection; and (ii) certifies that the State has enacted a statute that— (I) is applicable to drivers of all ages; (II) makes a violation of the statute a primary offense; and (III) prohibits— (aa) texting; or (bb) non-navigational viewing of a personal wireless communications device. (B) Use of grant funds Notwithstanding paragraph (5), amounts received by a State under subparagraph (A) may be used for activities related to the enforcement of distracted driving laws, including for public information and awareness purposes. ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: (9) Determinations of grant eligibility (A) Explanation of determination In making an eligibility determination in granting or denying an application of a State for a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide each applicant State with an explanation of that determination, including an explanation of whether each section of the statute submitted with the application met or did not meet the requirements for a grant under this subsection. (B) Availability of determination Not later than 60 days after granting or denying an application for a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall make the explanation under subparagraph (A) publicly available on the website of the Department of Transportation. .