Sponsor
Emilia Strong Sykes
Representative · D-OH
Representative · D-OH
The bill would increase public access to crisis and anti‑trafficking resources through standardized signage at federally funded transit and parking facilities, improving safety and consistency but imposing costs, maintenance obligations, and some project timeline complications for state and local entities.
People visiting transit and parking facilities (urban and rural riders, travelers, transportation workers) will see 988 suicide-prevention information, increasing awareness of free, confidential 24/7 crisis support and potentially speeding access to lifesaving help.
People using transit and parking facilities (including victims of trafficking and bystanders) will have ready access to human trafficking resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline, making it easier to report abuse and connect victims to services.
State and local governments and transportation workers will benefit from standardized signage requirements at federally funded facility projects, creating consistent public messaging that helps travelers and staff know where to find help.
State and local governments (and ultimately taxpayers) will face additional costs to design, produce, install, and maintain the mandated signage for covered facilities.
Entities responsible for construction or reopening of facilities may experience delays or added complexity as they incorporate federal signage standards into project timelines and procurement, potentially slowing project delivery.
If required signage is not properly maintained or updated, it could become damaged or outdated, reducing its effectiveness and possibly misleading the public when they need assistance.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires posting human-trafficking and 988 suicide-prevention notices at parking/transportation facilities built, reopened, or improved under the highway statute.
Official title: To require certain entities carrying out certain projects relating to the construction, reopening, and improvement of facilities to display certain public safety notices, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 21, 2026 by Emilia Strong Sykes · Last progress May 21, 2026
Requires entities that build, reopen, or improve highway parking and transportation facilities under federal law to post prominent informational signage about human trafficking and suicide prevention. Signs must include the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a definition and warning signs of human trafficking, and information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free, confidential, 24/7). The change amends the existing federal statute that governs certain transportation facility projects and renumbers an existing subsection for placement of the new requirement. The new requirement applies to projects carried out under the cited highway statute and is limited to adding two types of required notices; it does not create new funding or change other program rules.