SAM Act of 2026
Summary
The SAM Act of 2026 (HR8692) authorizes DOT grants for autonomous shared mobility vehicles (buses with Level 3-5 automation). At early stage (referred to committee), no funding appropriated. Infrastructure contractors like PWR, FLR, and MTZ are structural beneficiaries if enacted, but the bill faces a long legislative path.
See which stocks are affected
Key takeaways, market implications, full AI analysis, and connected signals are available to HillSignal members.
Already have an account? Log in
Key Takeaways
- 1.HR8692 is an early-stage bill authorizing DOT grants for autonomous buses — no funding appropriated yet.
- 2.Infrastructure contractors (PWR, FLR, MTZ) are structural beneficiaries if enacted, but revenue impact is 2-3 years away.
- 3.Low legislative momentum — sponsor is a junior independent, no companion bill, no committee action.
- 4.Do not trade on this bill alone; monitor committee markup and appropriations riders.
Market Implications
The SAM Act is a long-duration catalyst for infrastructure contractors with transit exposure. PWR, FLR, and MTZ are the most leveraged to transit electrification and automation infrastructure. However, with no funding amount specified and early legislative stage, the market impact is negligible in the near term. Investors should monitor committee markup and any appropriations language that could provide a funding ceiling.
Full Analysis
-
What happened: Rep. Kiley (I-CA) introduced HR8692 on May 7, 2026, referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill amends Title 49 to allow DOT grant funds for deploying autonomous buses (Level 3-5 automation). It is in early legislative stage with no companion bill or committee markup yet.
-
The money trail: The bill authorizes a competitive grant program (Accelerating Innovative Mobility Grant Program) but does NOT specify a funding amount — it only authorizes the program. Actual funding requires a separate appropriations bill. The mechanism is grants to 'covered entities' (likely transit agencies) for deploying autonomous shared mobility vehicles. No direct tax credits or procurement mandates.
-
Structural winners: Infrastructure contractors with transit and electrical capabilities — PWR (electrical infrastructure for charging), FLR (EPC for transit depots), MTZ (communications and electrical). Autonomous driving technology companies are not directly named but could benefit indirectly through transit agency procurement. No direct impact on airlines ($DAL, $UAL, $LUV) or parcel carriers ($UPS, $FDX) as the bill targets public transit buses.
-
Competitive landscape: The bill is early stage with low probability of near-term enactment. No real market data provided for price movements. The sponsor is an independent (not a committee chair), reducing legislative momentum.
-
Timeline: Referred to committee — no hearings or markups scheduled. Must pass House, Senate, and be signed into law. Even if enacted, the grant program requires 90 days to establish after enactment, then applications and awards. Revenue impact for contractors is 2-3 years out at minimum.
Intelligence Surface
Cross-referenced against federal contracts, SEC insider filings & congressional trade disclosures
Some confirming evidence found across public data sources
What the bill does
competitive grants for deploying autonomous shared mobility vehicles (buses with automated driving systems)
Who must act
covered entities (likely transit agencies and municipalities) applying for DOT grants to deploy autonomous buses
What happens
increased demand for electric and autonomous bus infrastructure, including charging stations, depot upgrades, and grid interconnection work
Stock impact
PWR's infrastructure segment (electrical and communications) benefits from transit electrification and automation projects; estimated 1-2% revenue uplift from new transit-related contracts over 2-3 years
What the bill does
competitive grants for deploying autonomous shared mobility vehicles (buses with automated driving systems)
Who must act
covered entities (likely transit agencies and municipalities) applying for DOT grants to deploy autonomous buses
What happens
increased demand for engineering, procurement, and construction services for autonomous bus depots, charging infrastructure, and system integration
Stock impact
FLR's infrastructure and government services segments capture EPC contracts for transit modernization; estimated 1-3% revenue contribution from new transit projects over 2-3 years
Connected Signals
Matched on shared policy language across AI analyses, with ticker & timing weight
ROCHESTER GENESEE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY: $37.5M Department of Transportation Grant
ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA TRANSIT DISTRICT: $87.3M Department of Transportation Grant
ANN ARBOR AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY: $31.3M Department of Transportation Grant
SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY: $18.8M Department of Transportation Grant
Related Presidential Actions
Executive orders & memoranda affecting the same sectors or companies
RESTORING AMERICAN SALTWATER ANGLING AND RECREATION
This executive order directs federal agencies (primarily NOAA and the Department of Commerce) to shift fisheries management toward prioritizing recreational fishing over commercial interests by modernizing data collection, replacing outdated mail-in surveys with real-time mobile reporting, and allowing state-collected data to substitute for federal data when error rates are lower. It also mandates reviewing and potentially revising National Standards under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, rescinding regulations that restrict marine access, and launching pilot programs for iconic fisheries like Atlantic striped bass, with the goal of boosting the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation sector.
Restoring Reciprocity in Government Procurement
This Presidential Memorandum directs the Office of Management and Budget, the U.S. Trade Representative, and other federal agencies to identify and remove Canadian-origin items from federal civil procurement where possible, citing Canada's 'Buy Canadian' policies as discriminatory. It also requires agencies to be notified of domestic alternatives and mandates ongoing monitoring of Canada's procurement practices, with provisions for restoring access if Canada changes its policies.
Providing Meaningful Water Quality Improvements Through Collaboration and Oversight of Federal Support
This executive order revokes Executive Order 13508, which had mandated Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, and directs federal agencies to prioritize funding for direct, on-the-ground water quality projects. It also instructs the EPA to work with states to assess and encourage the repeal of stormwater management fees (rain taxes) that have burdened residents, aiming to reduce costs while maintaining environmental progress.
Free — no credit card
Get the next market-moving signal before the news does
HillSignal scores every Congressional bill, federal contract, and insider filing for market impact and emails you the high-conviction ones — free, no credit card.
Weekly digest — the congressional activity that actually moved markets that week, in plain English. Free, one email.
Free forever plan · No credit card · Unsubscribe in one click
Want the live terminal too? Create a free account →