US Federal House Bill HB7389

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026

Impact

The proposed changes under HB7389 would significantly impact existing statutes regarding motor vehicle safety, specifically by mandating updates to safety standards to include evaluations of ADS. Among the notable measures included is the establishment of a new office within the NHTSA to manage the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which will be responsible for assessing motor vehicle safety ratings and improving consumer education regarding safety features. This is expected to lead to improved safety outcomes on the roads as well as increased public awareness of automotive technologies.

Summary

House Bill 7389, known as the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, aims to enhance and modernize the motor vehicle safety programs overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The legislation seeks to address the growing technological advancements in automotive safety features, particularly the integration of automated driving systems (ADS) in vehicles. The bill outlines specific procedures for reviewing and updating motor vehicle safety standards and emphasizes the need for thorough research and rulemaking practices that keep pace with the evolution of automotive technology.

Contention

While the legislation has widespread support for its intent to modernize safety standards, it has met with some contention regarding how effectively it will enforce accountability among manufacturers concerning recalls and address existing deficiencies in the recall process. Critics highlight the potential challenges in ensuring that vehicles involved in recalls are serviced effectively and in a timely manner. There are also discussions about the need for transparency in how safety technologies are evaluated and reported to consumers, especially as automated features become more prevalent in newer models.