STARTER Act 2.0

Surface Transportation Advanced through Reform, Technology, and Efficient Review Act 2.0 or the STARTER Act 2.0

This bill addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, innovation, and resiliency programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). It also sets forth requirements for the operation of railroad freight cars in the United States.

For example, the bill extends FY2020 enacted levels through FY2026 for federal-aid highway, transit, and safety programs.

DOT must

• provide competitive grants for projects to provide parking for commercial motor vehicles on the federal-aid highway system;
• establish a discretionary program to award competitive grants for eligible projects that encourage economic viability of the nation, a metropolitan area, or a region;
• create a public awareness campaign to reduce instances of driving while under the influence of prescription and over-the-counter medications; and
• promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.

The bill also establishes new competitive grant programs to spur innovation of connected vehicle applications into operational deployments and to test the safe integration of automated driving system technologies into the on-road transportation system.

Additionally, the bill addresses projects to improve the resiliency of federal-aid highways and bridges on and off the National Highway System.

Further, the bill prohibits the operation of railroad freight cars in the United States that have been manufactured or assembled by certain foreign countries or that contain sensitive technology from such countries.

Bill 117 HR 3341, also known as the STARTER Act 2.0, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to promote economic growth and job creation by providing support to small businesses and startups.

The STARTER Act 2.0 includes provisions to streamline regulations and reduce barriers for small businesses. It also seeks to increase access to capital for startups through various means, such as expanding the Small Business Administration's loan programs and creating tax incentives for investors in small businesses.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to support entrepreneurship and innovation, such as funding for research and development initiatives and programs to help small businesses navigate the patent process. Overall, the STARTER Act 2.0 is designed to foster a more favorable environment for small businesses and startups to thrive and contribute to the economy. It is currently being considered by Congress and has garnered bipartisan support for its potential to stimulate economic growth and job creation.