PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jun 19, 2018
Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include among the responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) research and development to combat emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks.
The bill also includes demonstrated expertise in combating emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks, among the criteria for the designation of colleges or universities as centers for homeland security.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
(Sec. 3) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall permit the recipient of a grant under the Urban Area Security Initiative or under the State Homeland Security Grant Program to use grant funds to address security vulnerabilities of public spaces, including through the installation of bollards and other target hardening activities. The bill prohibits the use of such grants for the provision to any person of a firearm or training in the use of a firearm.
(Sec. 4) DHS shall submit to the congressional homeland security committees a report on potential terrorism vulnerabilities relating to emerging automotive technologies that support driverless vehicles and the threat such vehicles may pose to people in public spaces. Such report shall also compare any public benefit of such vehicles against any vulnerabilities and threats.
People & committees
Rep. Donovan, Daniel M., Jr. [R-NY-11] · R–NY
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5269-5270)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5269-5270)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4627.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5269-5271)
Mr. Donovan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 590.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 115-757.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 115-757.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4627 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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