Bill would overhaul how NHTSA sets vehicle safety rules and ratings
In markupH.R. 7389Latest action
Sponsor: Brett Guthrie · Representative · KY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill overhauls NHTSA's safety rulemaking, crash-test ratings, recall notices, and exemption limits for automakers.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill requires NHTSA to publish a biennial public "priority plan" of upcoming safety rules and research, overhauls the 5-star NCAP rating system with a new office and advisory committee, and directs periodic review of existing safety standards. It also speeds up exemption decisions and raises the per-manufacturer exemption cap from 2,500 to 90,000 vehicles, orders studies on recall repair rates, VIN modernization, wheelchair securement, and vehicle aging, creates working groups on vehicle fire/battery safety and automated-vehicle consumer education, and allows electronic recall notices instead of mail-only.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects car manufacturers, NHTSA, and everyday vehicle owners; first responders and people with disabilities are also specifically addressed.
Why does it matter?
Manufacturers face new reporting, testing, and recall-notification requirements alongside expanded exemption eligibility, while NHTSA takes on new planning, review, and coordination duties.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 5, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 21, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 1.