Federal campaign to expose fake child car seats gets up to $1.5 million

What does this do?

HR 7679 requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to launch a public education campaign within one year of enactment, teaching parents and caregivers how to identify and avoid counterfeit or noncompliant child car seats and booster seats. The bill also updates existing highway safety law to allow states to spend federal highway safety funds on their own local awareness efforts about dangerous or counterfeit child car seats.

Who does it affect?

The bill primarily affects parents, grandparents, and other caregivers who buy or use car seats and booster seats for children. Retailers and online marketplaces where counterfeit car seats appear could also be indirectly affected by increased public scrutiny.

Why does it matter?

Counterfeit and noncompliant car seats that do not meet federal safety standards are already present in the marketplace, including through online retailers. The bill creates no new regulations on manufacturers or sellers, so its reach depends entirely on whether the public education campaign changes purchasing behavior.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $1.5M for federal campaign
• States use existing federal funds
• No new money for state efforts

Where does it stand?