S. 1953 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jun 4, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryFunds safer roads for all travelers
This bill directs money toward redesigning streets so they work better for everyone—whether you walk, bike, use transit, drive, or need mobility aids. States would set up grant programs to help cities and local governments build these 'complete streets' and adopt design standards that include protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and better crossings. The federal government would also update accessibility rules and help communities plan which streets to improve first.
How it affects you
If you walk, bike, or use public transportation in your community, this bill could mean safer routes and better-designed intersections where you live. The changes would roll out gradually as states and cities choose which streets to upgrade with the available grant funding, so the timing depends on local priorities in your area.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Jun 4, 2025)
Complete Streets Act of 2025
This bill supports the development of safe and accessible roads through complete streets design and construction grants, policies, and design standards.
Under the bill, a complete street means a public road that provides safe and accessible travel options for multiple travel modes (e.g., walking, cycling, transit, mobility devices, automobiles, and freight) for people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities.
In general, each state must establish a competitive grant program that provides a portion of its federal highway funds to eligible entities for complete streets grants and technical assistance. Eligible entities include local and tribal governments, local agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and nonprofit organizations.
An eligible entity must develop a complete streets policy and a prioritization plan. The state or an MPO must approve the policy and plan. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must develop complete streets benchmarks and guidance for states and eligible entities.
In addition, DOT and the Department of Justice must update and adopt certain accessibility standards (e.g., by including provisions for cognitive ability and language access).
Further, DOT must require each state and MPO to adopt and implement design standards for the safe and adequate accommodation of all surface transportation network users.
DOT must also establish complete streets design standards for federal projects and phase in their adoption, with exemptions for certain roadways, facilities, and projects. The standards must include (1) dedicated, protected bike lanes; (2) requirements for sidewalks and crosswalks; and (3) guidelines for lighting and signalization to promote safety.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 1953
A BILL
Complete Streets Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) · Introduced Jun 4, 2025 · Transportation and Public Works · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 4, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.”