(a) In general

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.

(b) No preemption of State or local laws

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