Subject to subsection (b), nothing in this chapter shall authorize the Secretary to, or shall be construed to—

(1) prohibit a child from traveling to and from school on foot or by car, bus, or bike when the parents of the child have given permission; or

(2) expose parents to civil or criminal charges for allowing their child to responsibly and safely travel to and from school by a means the parents believe is age appropriate.

Notwithstanding subsection (a), nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt State or local laws.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title VIII, § 8542, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title VIII, § 8034, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2118.)