SAM Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3]
Introduced
Summary
Expands federal support for deploying automated driving systems on new bus models and other shared shared-mobility vehicles. It would create a dedicated competitive grant program, authorize purchases of ADS software and updates with federal funds, and set testing and performance standards for ADS-equipped buses.
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- Transit agencies and local governments could receive competitive grants that cover up to 80.0% of project costs and may use funds to buy ADS software, software updates, and related operations technology. Grants may be combined with other federal transit funds.
- Rural communities get an explicit boost with at least a 15.0% set-aside of annual program funds for rural projects, increasing access for smaller systems and remote areas.
- Manufacturers and testing facilities must meet new standards. The bill would require standards-based testing facilities and a pass/fail scoring regime for new bus models by January 1, 2027, and directs a final rule to align testing within 180 days, while allowing partnerships between eligible recipients and private manufacturers.
*Would authorize $60.0 million for FY2027 and $40.0 million for FY2028, increasing federal spending for ADS-enabled transit by $100.0 million in authorizations.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Grants can buy automated driving software
If enacted, the bill would let several federal transportation grants be used to acquire or update software for automated driving systems and for vehicle operation or monitoring. The change applies across programs for buses, fixed guideway projects, and other listed infrastructure grants. This would allow eligible recipients to charge software licenses and software updates to those grants. The amendment does not add new funding; it expands allowable uses of existing grant money.
Grants to deploy automated buses
If enacted, the bill would create a new competitive grant program to speed deployment of new buses with automated driving systems. The Secretary would set up the program within 90 days and run annual 60-day application windows. Grants could pay for vehicles, equipment, ADS software and updates, and related project costs. The federal share of any project could be up to 80 percent, with non-federal shares allowed as in-kind contributions. At least 15 percent of each year’s funds would be reserved for rural projects. The bill would authorize $60 million for FY2027 (available through FY2030) and $40 million for FY2028 (available through FY2031).
Safety testing rules for self-driving buses
If enacted, the bill would add a definition for an automated driving system for new bus models as a Level 3, 4, or 5 system under SAE J3016. The Secretary would have to issue or update a final testing rule within 180 days. The government would establish at least one testing facility by January 1, 2027, located where substantial road or track testing already occurs. The rule would create a weighted, aggregate pass/fail score for new bus models, and a new model would need a passing score before delivery and acceptance. The bill also says test scores are not warranties or guarantees for purchaser requirements.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3]
CA • I
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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