The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has announced that Congress, under the leadership of Representative Sam Graves and the House Transportation Committee, is in the process of drafting the next federal surface transportation reauthorization bill. This bill includes provisions for vicarious liability aimed at enhancing safety.
According to ASCE's Civil Engineering Source, the previous surface transportation reauthorization was incorporated into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which became law in November 2021. The report notes that U.S. Representative Sam Graves, chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has prioritized this upcoming reauthorization as a key focus for his committee. Hearings have been initiated 20 months before the IIJA's expiration in September 2026. ASCE explains that this early start provides lawmakers with an opportunity to integrate new accountability measures such as federal vicarious liability standards to ensure safety oversight aligns with modern mobility and leasing practices.
The U.S. Department of Transportation states that the IIJA authorized $1.2 trillion in total federal spending, including $550 billion dedicated to new infrastructure investments targeting roads, bridges, and public transit systems. The DOT describes the IIJA as a significant federal infrastructure investment since the creation of the Interstate Highway System, facilitating post-pandemic recovery through modernization and connectivity projects. Preliminary briefings suggest that the next reauthorization may concentrate more narrowly on core surface transportation issues, allowing for the introduction of federal-level liability provisions to address accountability in vehicle ownership, leasing, and fleet operations.
Claims Journal reports that legal experts are increasingly highlighting a lack of federal standards for vicarious liability within the vehicle leasing and rental industry. A recent Connecticut appellate ruling emphasized this gap by affirming summary judgment for Enterprise Rent-A-Car; under Connecticut law, their only legal duty was to visually inspect a driver's license for validity and expiration. Claims Journal suggests this decision illustrates a need for federal policy reform to establish clear liability and vetting standards for rental and leasing companies—an issue potentially addressed in the forthcoming federal reauthorization bill.
The Congressional Research Service indicates that surface transportation reauthorization bills allow Congress to adjust performance-based funding, accountability frameworks, and emerging policy priorities within the federal transportation system. Their analysis suggests that future reauthorizations will likely focus on commercial vehicle oversight, safety technologies, and legal standards for autonomous and shared mobility networks. Experts cited in their report propose implementing federal vicarious liability provisions would harmonize state laws, reduce litigation inconsistencies, and strengthen consumer protection concerning vehicle-related incidents.
According to its official website, ASCE is a professional organization representing over 150,000 civil engineers globally dedicated to advancing civil engineering science and practice. ASCE publishes research like the Infrastructure Report Card and provides policy guidance on federal reauthorization efforts emphasizing investment resilience and accountability. Through advocacy efforts with Congress and industry partners, ASCE aims to ensure transportation policy reflects modern engineering priorities alongside public safety considerations.
