STAR Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 21, 2026
Bottom line
The STAR Act streamlines federal funding rules to permit transit agencies to more readily integrate art into their infrastructure projects using existing grant programs, removing previous caps and requirements.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the "Saving Transit Art Resources Act" or "STAR Act," amends Title 49 of the United States Code to remove existing restrictions on the use of federal transit funds for incorporating art into transit facilities. Specifically, it strikes provisions that limited art funding to 0.5 percent of total project costs and required art to be "integral to the project," thereby providing greater flexibility for transit agencies to use federal grants for public art.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that incorporating art into public transit facilities enhances the rider experience, contributes to community aesthetics, fosters local culture, and can even deter vandalism, making public spaces more inviting and safer. They contend that removing restrictive caps allows for a more holistic approach to urban planning, where transit hubs are not just functional but also culturally enriching, potentially stimulating local economies by employing artists and related trades.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that federal transit funds should be exclusively dedicated to core transportation functions like safety, efficiency, and infrastructure maintenance, especially given budget constraints. They might argue that art projects, while potentially beneficial, are a secondary concern and should be funded through local or private sources, not federal transportation dollars, to avoid diverting resources from critical transit needs or allowing costs for art to escalate without clear limits.
The bill is extremely short and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for evaluation of its direct impacts.
Section 2(a)
Expanding Allowable Uses of Federal Transit Funds for Art
This provision amends Section 5323(h) of Title 49, United States Code, which outlines eligible uses of federal transit funds. It specifically strikes paragraph (2), which previously restricted the use of funds for art to only 0.5 percent of the total cost of a facility and only for projects that were "integral to the project." By removing this paragraph, the bill eliminates these specific limitations, thereby allowing a broader and potentially larger allocation of federal transit funds for art integration into facilities without a strict percentage cap or a requirement for the art to be functionally integral.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision removes unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that previously limited the ability of transit agencies to enhance public spaces with art. They contend that integrating art can improve the user experience, foster civic pride, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities, making transit more appealing and accessible.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that removing these specific limitations could lead to federal funds being diverted from essential transit infrastructure needs, such as maintenance, safety upgrades, or service expansion. They may contend that while art is valuable, its funding should not compete directly with core transportation priorities, especially without clear caps or a requirement for functional integration.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to enhance public spaces and support cultural initiatives with the need to ensure federal funds are primarily directed towards core transportation functions and fiscal responsibility. It trades strict financial controls for greater local artistic discretion.
Section 2(b)
Eliminating a Special Rule for Art in Capital Investment Grants
This provision amends Section 5309 of Title 49, United States Code, by striking subsection (p) and redesignating subsequent subsections. Subsection (p) previously contained a "special rule for art" which stipulated that for certain capital investment grants, art projects were only eligible if they were integral to the project and the total cost did not exceed 0.5 percent of the total project cost. By removing this subsection, the bill eliminates this specific restriction for projects funded under the Capital Investment Grants program, aligning it with the broader changes made to Section 5323(h) and further expanding the flexibility for art funding in major transit projects.