Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7389 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 7389

To modernize the motor vehicle safety programs of the National Highway
         Traffic Safety Administration, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            February 5, 2026

 Mr. Guthrie introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
                    Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

To modernize the motor vehicle safety programs of the National Highway
         Traffic Safety Administration, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of
2026''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    (a) Applicability of Certain Definitions.--The definitions in
section 30102(a) of title 49, United States Code, apply to this Act.
    (b) Other Definitions.--In this Act:
            (1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
        National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
            (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
        Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
        Administration.
            (3) ADS-equipped vehicle.--The term ``ADS-equipped
        vehicle'' means a motor vehicle equipped with an automated
        driving system.
            (4) Automated driving system.--The term ``automated driving
        system''--
                    (A) means hardware and software that are
                collectively capable of performing the entire dynamic
                driving task on a sustained basis, regardless of
                whether such system is limited to a specific
                operational design domain; and
                    (B) includes only a system that meets the
                definition of Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 automation.
            (5) Dynamic driving task.--The term ``dynamic driving
        task''--
                    (A) means each real-time operational and tactical
                function required to operate a motor vehicle in on-road
                traffic;
                    (B) excludes any strategic function, such as trip
                scheduling and selection of a destination or waypoint;
                and
                    (C) includes--
                            (i) lateral vehicle motion control through
                        steering;
                            (ii) longitudinal motion control through
                        acceleration and deceleration;
                            (iii) monitoring of the driving environment
                        through object and event detection,
                        recognition, classification, and response
                        preparation;
                            (iv) object and event response execution;
                            (v) maneuver planning; and
                            (vi) enhancement of conspicuity through
                        lighting, sounding the horn, signaling,
                        gesturing, or another indicator.
            (6) Level 1; level 2; level 3; level 4; level 5.--The terms
        ``Level 1'', ``Level 2'', ``Level 3'', ``Level 4'', and ``Level
        5'' have the meaning given those terms in the April 2021
        edition of the J3016 recommended practice of SAE International,
        ``Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving
        Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles''.
            (7) New car assessment program; ncap.--The terms ``New Car
        Assessment Program'' and ``NCAP'' mean the program established
        by the Secretary pursuant to section 32302 of title 49, United
        States Code, to develop comparative information on the safety
        performance of passenger motor vehicle safety technologies to
        assist consumers with purchasing decisions and encourage
        manufacturers to improve the safety of passenger motor
        vehicles.
            (8) Passenger motor vehicle.--The term ``passenger motor
        vehicle'' has the meaning given that term in section 32101 of
        title 49, United States Code.
            (9) Relevant congressional committees.--The term ``relevant
        congressional committees'' means the Committee on Energy and
        Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
            (10) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Transportation.

SEC. 3. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY RULEMAKING AND RESEARCH PRIORITY PLAN.

    (a) Priority Plan Requirement.--The Administrator shall develop,
and regularly update, a comprehensive motor vehicle safety rulemaking
and research priority plan (in this section referred to as the
``priority plan'').
    (b) Priority Plan Contents.--Each priority plan submitted and
published under subsection (c) shall include the following:
            (1) A list of each motor vehicle safety rulemaking planned
        for the 36-month period beginning on the date on which the
        priority plan is submitted and published under subsection (c),
        including the following information with respect to each such
        rulemaking:
                    (A) Any statutory authority, mandate, or deadline
                for such rulemaking.
                    (B) The status of any research required to support
                such rulemaking and a link to a publicly accessible
                website that contains such research.
                    (C) Whether any motor vehicle safety technology
                relevant to such rulemaking has been included in the
                NCAP.
                    (D) Whether manufacturers or other entities with
                expertise in the engineering and testing of motor
                vehicles have developed performance test criteria for
                evaluating any such motor vehicle safety technology and
                whether such criteria could be used or modified to meet
                the objectives of such rulemaking.
                    (E) The timing of expected milestones with respect
                to such rulemaking, including an advance notice of
                proposed rulemaking, a notice of proposed rulemaking,
                and a final rule.
            (2) A list of the research priorities that the
        Administration anticipates working on (without regard to
        whether a rulemaking is planned or any research has been
        finalized) during the 36-month period beginning on the date on
        which the priority plan is submitted and published under
        subsection (c), including information on the following:
                    (A) The objectives of such research priorities,
                including an identification of any rulemaking to be
                supported by a research priority.
                    (B) Any information, data, or evidence gathered in
                the NCAP with respect to such research priorities.
                    (C) The timing of expected milestones with respect
                to such research priorities.
            (3) Except with respect to the initial priority plan
        submitted and published under subsection (c), a comparison of
        the contents of the priority plan to the contents of the
        previous version of the priority plan submitted and published
        under subsection (c).
            (4) A list of each motor vehicle safety rulemaking required
        by an Act of Congress but not included in the priority plan and
        a timeline of when the Administration intends to complete each
        such rulemaking.
    (c) Submission; Publication.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the
Administrator shall--
            (1) submit the priority plan to the relevant congressional
        committees; and
            (2) publish the priority plan on the website of the
        Administration.
    (d) Failure to Comply.--If the Administrator fails to submit or
publish the priority plan under subsection (c) by a date required under
such subsection, the Administrator, not later than 30 days after such
date, shall submit to the relevant congressional committees a written
report that describes the reasons for such failure and provides an
updated timeline and plan for submitting or publishing the priority
plan.

SEC. 4. NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM REFORM.

    (a) New Car Assessment Program Office.--
            (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish an
        office within the Administration to be known as the Office of
        the New Car Assessment Program (in this section referred to as
        the ``NCAP Office'').
            (2) Associate administrator.--The NCAP Office shall be led
        by an Associate Administrator who is selected by the
        Administrator and who has expertise in motor vehicle safety.
            (3) Duties.--The duties of the Associate Administrator of
        the NCAP Office shall be the following:
                    (A) Advise the Administrator on each function of
                the NCAP.
                    (B) Administer the NCAP.
                    (C) Establish roadmaps for the implementation of
                the NCAP under section 32310 of title 49, United States
                Code (as amended by paragraph (4) of this subsection).
                    (D) Establish a process for reporting results of
                the voluntary performance testing program under
                paragraph (5) of this subsection.
                    (E) Conduct consumer education activities under
                paragraph (6) of this subsection.
                    (F) Engage with the NCAP Advisory Committee
                established under subsection (b)(1) of this section,
                manufacturers, other relevant stakeholders, and the
                public as the primary representative of the NCAP.
                    (G) Evaluate and make determinations on including
                passenger motor vehicle safety technologies in the
                NCAP, including by--
                            (i) evaluating the reported results
                        pursuant to paragraph (5) of this subsection;
                        and
                            (ii) evaluating recommendations made by the
                        NCAP Advisory Committee pursuant to subsection
                        (b)(6)(D) of this section.
                    (H) Carry out any other related duties as
                determined appropriate by the Administrator.
            (4) New car assessment program roadmap.--Section 32310 of
        title 49, United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a)--
                            (i) by striking ``4'' and inserting ``3'';
                        and
                            (ii) by striking ``the Secretary of
                        Transportation (referred to in this section as
                        the `Secretary')'' and inserting ``the
                        Associate Administrator, in consultation with
                        the NCAP Advisory Committee,'';
                    (B) in subsection (c)(3)(C), by striking
                ``Secretary'' and inserting ``Associate
                Administrator'';
                    (C) in subsection (d), by striking ``Secretary''
                each place it appears and inserting ``Associate
                Administrator'';
                    (D) in subsection (e), by striking ``Secretary''
                each place it appears and inserting ``Associate
                Administrator''; and
                    (E) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Associate administrator.--The term `Associate
        Administrator' means the Associate Administrator selected under
        section 4(a)(2) of the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026.
            ``(2) NCAP advisory committee.--The term `NCAP Advisory
        Committee' means the NCAP Advisory Committee established under
        section 4(b)(1) of the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of
        2026.''.
            (5) Voluntary performance testing program.--Not later than
        1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
        Associate Administrator of the NCAP Office shall establish a
        voluntary process under which a manufacturer may test the
        performance of passenger motor vehicles of the manufacturer and
        report the results to the Associate Administrator.
            (6) Consumer education activities.--
                    (A) Requirement.--The Associate Administrator of
                the NCAP Office, in coordination with the Associate
                Administrator for Communications and Consumer
                Information, shall conduct consumer education
                activities to promote information developed under the
                NCAP and increase consumer awareness of passenger motor
                vehicle safety technologies.
                    (B) Contents.--Consumer education activities
                carried out under subparagraph (A) may include the
                following:
                            (i) Development and distribution of written
                        educational materials.
                            (ii) Creation, production, and
                        dissemination of public awareness campaigns,
                        including through print, broadcast, digital,
                        and social media platforms.
                            (iii) Purchase of advertising time and
                        space in any media, including television,
                        radio, digital, and print.
                            (iv) Establishment and maintenance of
                        websites, mobile applications, and other online
                        content.
                            (v) Engagement with community-based and
                        national consumer motor vehicle safety
                        organizations.
                    (C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
                of the enactment of this Act, and every 2 years
                thereafter, the Associate Administrator of the NCAP
                Office shall submit to the relevant congressional
                committees a report that details the consumer education
                activities conducted under this paragraph, including,
                with respect to such activities, information on--
                            (i) expenditures;
                            (ii) target audiences reached; and
                            (iii) any performance metrics used to
                        evaluate the efficacy of such activities.
    (b) New Car Assessment Program Advisory Committee.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
        of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish
        the NCAP Advisory Committee (in this subsection referred to as
        the ``Committee'') to provide independent advice and
        recommendations to the Secretary, the Administrator, and the
        Associate Administrator of the NCAP Office on matters related
        to the functions of the NCAP Office.
            (2) Members.--The Committee shall be composed of 18
        members, appointed by the Administrator, as follows:
                    (A) 2 representatives of national consumer motor
                vehicle safety organizations.
                    (B) 2 representatives of institutions of higher
                education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)) with expertise
                in motor vehicle safety.
                    (C) 4 representatives of manufacturers of passenger
                motor vehicles.
                    (D) 2 representatives of manufacturers of motor
                vehicle equipment.
                    (E) 1 representative of technology providers.
                    (F) 1 representative of the property and casualty
                insurance industry.
                    (G) 1 representative of State highway safety
                offices.
                    (H) 2 members with expertise in public health, data
                science, or human factors.
                    (I) 1 representative of a disability advocacy
                organization.
                    (J) 2 representatives of families or organizations
                that advocate on behalf of victims of accidents
                involving motor vehicles.
            (3) Terms.--
                    (A) In general.--Each member appointed to the
                Committee--
                            (i) shall serve an initial term of 4 years
                        (or until the Committee terminates under
                        paragraph (8), if earlier); and
                            (ii) may be reappointed for 1 subsequent
                        term of 4 years (or until the Committee
                        terminates under paragraph (8), if earlier).
                    (B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
                (A)(i), with respect to the first 18 members appointed
                to the Committee, 9 shall be chosen by the
                Administrator to serve an initial term of 2 years.
            (4) Rate of pay.--Each member of the Committee shall serve
        without pay.
            (5) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Committee shall
        receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
        subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under
        subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
            (6) Duties.--The duties of the Committee shall be the
        following:
                    (A) Provide recommendations to the Secretary, the
                Administrator, and the Associate Administrator of the
                NCAP Office to improve the NCAP.
                    (B) Review, assess, and evaluate passenger motor
                vehicle safety technologies with the potential to
                reduce traffic injuries and fatalities.
                    (C) Solicit and review information, data, research,
                and evidence with respect to passenger motor vehicle
                safety technologies from public and private sources,
                including industry stakeholders, researchers, national
                consumer motor vehicle safety organizations, and
                Federal agencies (as determined appropriate by the
                Administrator).
                    (D) Recommend passenger motor vehicle safety
                technologies to be evaluated by the Associate
                Administrator of the NCAP Office for inclusion in the
                NCAP.
            (7) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, and in consultation with the
        Administration, manufacturers, national consumer motor vehicle
        safety organizations, experts in academia, and other relevant
        stakeholders, the Committee shall submit to the relevant
        congressional committees a report that assesses the feasibility
        of establishing a public-private partnership, a nonprofit
        organization, or any other similar entity to develop, update,
        and operate the functions of the NCAP, including by assessing
        the following with respect to such a partnership or entity:
                    (A) Governance considerations.
                    (B) Structure.
                    (C) Efficacy in educating consumers on and
                encouraging manufacturers to include new safety
                features in passenger motor vehicles.
                    (D) Impact on motor vehicle safety.
                    (E) Passenger motor vehicle safety ratings used
                internationally that are similar to the NCAP.
                    (F) Expected cost of such a partnership or entity
                as compared to the cost of maintaining the NCAP under
                the Administration.
                    (G) Sustainable funding mechanisms.
                    (H) Processes for ensuring the NCAP (or any
                partnership or entity responsible for developing,
                updating, and operating the functions of the NCAP)
                informs the development of motor vehicle safety
                standards prescribed under chapter 301 of title 49,
                United States Code.
                    (I) Monroney label considerations.
                    (J) Costs associated with participation by
                manufacturers in the NCAP, including any alternatives
                for manufacturers to self-report information related to
                passenger motor vehicle safety ratings from the
                manufacturers.
                    (K) Processes for ensuring the independence of the
                partnership or entity.
            (8) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on the date
        that is 10 years after the date on which the Committee is
        established under paragraph (1).
            (9) FACA.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code
        (commonly referred to as the ``Federal Advisory Committee
        Act''), shall not apply to the Committee.
    (c) GAO Study.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the relevant congressional committees a report that--
            (1) evaluates the implementation of this section, including
        the amendments made by this section; and
            (2) provides recommendations for the Administrator and the
        relevant congressional committees to improve the implementation
        of this section, including the amendments made by this section.
    (d) Passenger Motor Vehicle Safety Rating Defined.--In this
section, the term ``passenger motor vehicle safety rating'' means a
system to evaluate and compare in an objective manner passenger motor
vehicle safety technologies using stars, medals, points, or other
similar indicators.

SEC. 5. REVIEW OF MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Administrator
shall conduct a review of the motor vehicle safety standards prescribed
under chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, to determine, in
accordance with this section, if any such standards should be revised
or eliminated.
    (b) Determinations.--
            (1) In general.--In making a determination under subsection
        (a) with respect to whether a motor vehicle safety standard
        should be revised or eliminated, the Administrator shall
        consider the following:
                    (A) The extent to which such standard satisfies the
                purpose described in section 30101 of title 49, United
                States Code.
                    (B) Safety information, data, and evidence related
                to such standard.
                    (C) Information on advances in motor vehicle
                technology related to such standard.
                    (D) Costs for manufacturers related to such
                standard.
                    (E) Changes in technical standards related to such
                standard.
                    (F) International policy developments related to
                such standard.
            (2) Public feedback.--In reviewing motor vehicle safety
        standards under subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
                    (A) solicit public feedback through a request for
                information; and
                    (B) provide a period for public comment on the
                responses to such request for information.
    (c) Consistency With Motor Vehicle Safety.--The Administrator may
only make a determination under this section that a motor vehicle
safety standard should be revised or eliminated if the Administrator
determines that doing so is consistent with motor vehicle safety.
    (d) Reports.--Upon the completion of each review conducted under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
            (1) submit to the relevant congressional committees a
        report on the results of such review; and
            (2) incorporate, into the first priority plan submitted and
        published under section 3(c) after the completion of such
        review, any recommendations of the Administrator with respect
        to revising or eliminating a motor vehicle safety standard.

SEC. 6. RULEMAKING ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT.

    Section 24210 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (49
U.S.C. 308 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (2) and
        inserting the following:
            ``(2) is associated with the National Highway Traffic
        Safety Administration and--
                    ``(A) is carried out pursuant to--
                            ``(i) MAP-21;
                            ``(ii) the FAST Act;
                            ``(iii) this Act; or
                            ``(iv) the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act
                        of 2026; or
                    ``(B) is included in the most recent Unified Agenda
                of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions and is
                required by an Act of Congress.''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``an
                explanation'' and inserting ``if such deadline has
                passed, an explanation'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``and'' at the
                end;
                    (C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) a description of substantive activities conducted,
        including any relevant research conducted, and rulemaking
        milestones completed with respect to the covered rulemaking.''.

SEC. 7. PROJECT SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

    (a) Rulemakings.--The Administrator shall update the procedures
associated with rulemakings related to motor vehicle safety to ensure--
            (1) the use of recognized project schedule management
        practices; and
            (2) adherence to applicable Federal standards with respect
        to such practices.
    (b) Reports.--The Administrator shall update the procedures
associated with satisfying reporting requirements related to motor
vehicle safety to ensure--
            (1) the use of recognized project schedule management
        practices; and
            (2) adherence to applicable Federal standards with respect
        to such practices.
    (c) GAO Study.--
            (1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
        shall conduct a study to assess the implementation of this
        section by the Administrator.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
        the relevant congressional committees a report on the results
        of the study conducted under paragraph (1).

SEC. 8. GENERAL EXEMPTIONS.

    (a) Process Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue guidance to
establish and make available processes, including performance-based or
risk-based assessments, by which a manufacturer may demonstrate an
equivalent safety level for purposes of clause (ii) or (iv) of section
30113(b)(3)(B) of title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Eligibility.--Section 30113(d) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended by striking ``2,500 vehicles'' and inserting ``90,000
vehicles''.
    (c) Maximum Period.--Section 30113(e) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Maximum Period.--An exemption or renewal under subsection
(b)(3)(B) of this section may be granted for not more than 5 years.''.
    (d) Deadline.--Section 30113 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Deadline.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall issue a decision
        with respect to a complete application for an exemption
        submitted under this section not later than 1 year after the
        date on which the Secretary receives such application.
            ``(2) Failure to meet deadline.--If the Secretary does not
        issue a decision with respect to a complete application within
        the period required under paragraph (1), the application shall
        be deemed approved unless the Secretary provides to the
        applicant during such period written justification that
        identifies the manner in which the application is
        incomplete.''.

SEC. 9. TESTING AND EVALUATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT.

    Section 30112(b)(10) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
        ``or motor vehicle equipment'' after ``motor vehicle'' each
        place the term appears; and
            (2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or motor vehicle
        equipment'' after ``motor vehicles''.

SEC. 10. RECALL RATE IMPROVEMENT.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study to identify
factors that result in a motor vehicle involved in a recall not
receiving the service necessary to remedy the issue that is the subject
of such recall.
    (b) Implementation.--The Administrator, using existing authorities,
shall take appropriate actions to--
            (1) address factors identified under subsection (a); and
            (2) improve the efforts of the Administration,
        manufacturers, and third parties with respect to increasing the
        rate at which motor vehicles involved in a recall receive the
        service necessary to remedy the issue that is the subject of
        such recall.
    (c) Reports.--
            (1) Initial report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
        of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to
        the relevant congressional committees a report on the results
        of the study conducted under subsection (a).
            (2) Final report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
        the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to
        the relevant congressional committees a report on the actions
        taken by the Administrator under subsection (b).

SEC. 11. MODERN RECALL NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES.

    Section 30119(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``(or other form of
        contact information)'' after ``address''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) Notification required under section 30118 of this title may
be sent by certified mail, electronic mail, or any other manner
(including other electronic means) prescribed by the Secretary by
regulation, except that, if a registered owner provides a request to a
manufacturer through a reasonable means (as determined by the
manufacturer) asking that such notification be made by certified mail,
such manufacturer shall comply with such request with respect to such
registered owner.''.

SEC. 12. CLARIFICATION WITH RESPECT TO DEFECTS AND NONCOMPLIANCE.

    Section 30118 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
    ``(g) Application.--
            ``(1) Timing.--The requirement to notify under subsection
        (c) does not apply to a manufacturer until such time as the
        manufacturer makes the relevant decision under paragraph (1) or
        (2) of such subsection.
            ``(2) Supplier notifications.--A notification of defect
        with respect to original equipment made by the original
        equipment supplier is not determinative of whether a defect
        exists in a motor vehicle in which the original equipment was
        installed at the time of delivery to the first purchaser.
            ``(3) Good faith.--Nothing in this subsection relieves a
        manufacturer of any obligation under subsection (c) to make a
        decision in good faith.''.

SEC. 13. CONSUMER EDUCATION ON MOTOR VEHICLE AUTOMATION.

    (a) Establishment of Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
establish a working group to facilitate consumer education efforts with
respect to automation in motor vehicles.
    (b) Duties.--The working group established under subsection (a)
shall--
            (1) make recommendations to the Administrator on education
        and marketing strategies, including strategies that may be
        voluntarily employed by industry stakeholders, to responsibly
        inform the public, including vehicle owners and operators,
        about the differences between motor vehicles equipped with
        Level 1 or Level 2 systems and ADS-equipped vehicles; and
            (2) not later than 3 years after the date on which the
        working group is established, submit to the relevant
        congressional committees, and make available to the public, a
        report containing such recommendations.
    (c) Considerations.--In carrying out the duties described in
subsection (b), the working group shall consider the following:
            (1) The respective capabilities and limitations of motor
        vehicles equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 systems and ADS-
        equipped vehicles.
            (2) The engagement methods with respect to motor vehicles
        equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 systems and ADS-equipped
        vehicles, including disengagement methods with respect to ADS-
        equipped vehicles.
            (3) The human-machine interfaces with respect to motor
        vehicles equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 systems and ADS-
        equipped vehicles.
            (4) Responses in the event of a crash or system failure,
        including emergency fallback scenarios, with respect to motor
        vehicles equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 systems and ADS-
        equipped vehicles.
            (5) The value of consistent nomenclature and taxonomy for
        technology features and systems.
            (6) The role of the New Car Assessment Program in
        facilitating public understanding of the differences between
        motor vehicles equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 systems and
        ADS-equipped vehicles.
    (d) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall appoint, as
        members of the working group established under subsection (a),
        individuals with expertise in motor vehicle automation
        technology, including--
                    (A) representatives of--
                            (i) manufacturers;
                            (ii) dealers;
                            (iii) motor vehicle owners and operators,
                        including fleet managers, rental companies, and
                        transportation network companies;
                            (iv) consumers or consumer advocacy groups;
                            (v) marketing professionals;
                            (vi) entities with national experience in
                        consumer education, including drivers'
                        education;
                            (vii) safety organizations; and
                            (viii) national disability organizations
                        and national organizations representing older
                        adults; and
                    (B) any other individuals the Administrator
                considers appropriate and qualified.
            (2) Compensation.--Members of the working group established
        under subsection (a) shall serve without compensation.
    (e) Consultation.--With respect to the working group established
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
            (1) consult with the Federal Trade Commission, as
        appropriate; and
            (2) ensure public participation, including by soliciting
        input through requests for information.
    (f) Termination.--The working group established under subsection
(a) shall terminate on the date on which the working group submits the
report required under subsection (b)(2).
    (g) FACA.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly
referred to as the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply
to the working group established under subsection (a).

SEC. 14. STUDY ON PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERSHIP.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an
agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine under which the National Academies shall conduct a study on
the average age of passenger motor vehicles and passenger motor vehicle
ownership costs.
    (b) Contents.--The study conducted under subsection (a) shall
include an analysis of the following:
            (1) Trends with respect to the average age of passenger
        motor vehicles.
            (2) Trends with respect to passenger motor vehicle
        ownership costs, including trends with respect to--
                    (A) total lifecycle costs; and
                    (B) related factors, including--
                            (i) initial purchase price;
                            (ii) motor vehicle manufacturing and supply
                        chain matters;
                            (iii) financing;
                            (iv) insurance;
                            (v) subscriptions;
                            (vi) power requirements, such as with
                        respect to electricity, gasoline, and other
                        fuels;
                            (vii) repair and maintenance;
                            (viii) depreciation;
                            (ix) optional safety features; and
                            (x) optional convenience features.
            (3) Legal, policy, economic, and regulatory factors that
        affect the average age of passenger motor vehicles, passenger
        motor vehicle ownership costs, and consumer understanding of
        such costs.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the relevant
congressional committees a report on the results of the study conducted
under subsection (a).

SEC. 15. AUTOMATED WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on the
feasibility of incorporating, into motor vehicles, automated wheelchair
securement systems to increase the safety of wheelchair users in motor
vehicles.
    (b) Coordination With University Transportation Centers.--In
conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall
consult with university transportation centers established and operated
under section 5505 of title 49, United States Code.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the relevant
congressional committees and make publicly available a report on the
findings of the study conducted under subsection (a) that includes an
analysis of the feasibility of incorporating, into motor vehicles,
automated wheelchair securement systems.
    (d) Automated Wheelchair Securement System Defined.--In this
section, the term ``automated wheelchair securement system'' means an
automated system that, using a universal docking interface geometry
standard, secures a wheelchair within a motor vehicle utilizing a
deployable anchor.

SEC. 16. STUDY ON MODERNIZING VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on
modernizing the VIN system.
    (b) Contents.--The study required by subsection (a) shall analyze
the following:
            (1) How the VIN system is used by the following:
                    (A) The Administrator.
                    (B) Heads of other relevant Federal agencies (as
                determined by the Administrator).
                    (C) State and local governments.
                    (D) Manufacturers.
                    (E) Law enforcement.
                    (F) The property and casualty insurance industry.
                    (G) Any other user the Administrator determines
                appropriate.
            (2) Any limitations of the VIN system, including with
        respect to motor vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.
            (3) Recommendations for Congress and the Administration to
        improve the VIN system, including with respect to motor vehicle
        attributes.
    (c) Consultation.--In conducting the study required by subsection
(a), the Administrator shall consult with the following:
            (1) State motor vehicle agencies that are responsible for
        the registration and titling of motor vehicles.
            (2) State and local law enforcement agencies.
            (3) Emergency responders.
            (4) Roadway safety organizations.
            (5) Consumer motor vehicle safety organizations.
            (6) International standards organizations.
            (7) Manufacturers.
            (8) Dealers.
            (9) The property and casualty insurance industry.
            (10) Any other stakeholder the Administrator determines
        appropriate.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the relevant
congressional committees a report on the results of the study required
by subsection (a).
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Motor vehicle attributes.--The term ``motor vehicle
        attributes'' means the following:
                    (A) Means of propulsion.
                    (B) Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5
                automation.
                    (C) Driver assistance technology.
                    (D) Electrification specification, including with
                respect to battery capacity and charging capability.
                    (E) Connectivity requirements.
                    (F) Over-the-air update capability.
            (2) VIN.--The term ``VIN'' has the meaning given such term
        in section 565.12(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 17. MOTOR VEHICLE FIRE RESCUE WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish the Motor
Vehicle Fire Rescue Working Group (in this section referred to as the
``Working Group'') to provide independent advice and recommendations to
the Secretary and the Administrator on matters related to ensuring the
safe and efficient extraction of occupants of motor vehicles post-
crash.
    (b) Members.--The Working Group shall be composed of 15 members,
appointed by the Administrator, as follows:
            (1) 4 representatives of manufacturers of passenger motor
        vehicles.
            (2) 2 representatives of national consumer motor vehicle
        safety organizations.
            (3) 4 representatives of organizations that represent first
        responders, including firefighters.
            (4) 2 representatives of institutions of higher education
        (as defined as section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
        (20 U.S.C. 1002)) with expertise in motor vehicle and motor
        vehicle battery safety.
            (5) 2 representatives of manufacturers of motor vehicle
        batteries.
            (6) 1 representative of manufacturers of fire rescue tools.
    (c) Terms.--
            (1) In general.--Each member appointed to the Working
        Group--
                    (A) shall serve an initial term of 4 years (or
                until the Working Group terminates under subsection
                (h), if earlier); and
                    (B) may be reappointed for 1 subsequent term of 4
                years (or until the Working Group terminates under
                subsection (h), if earlier).
            (2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), with respect
        to the first 15 members appointed to the Working Group, 7 shall
        be chosen by the Administrator to serve an initial term of 2
        years.
    (d) Rate of Pay.--Each member of the Working Group shall serve
without pay.
    (e) Travel Expenses.--Each member of the Working Group shall
receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57
of title 5, United States Code.
    (f) Duties.--The duties of the Working Group shall be the
following:
            (1) Review, assess, and evaluate factors to facilitate the
        safe and efficient post-crash access of first responders to
        motor vehicles, including the following:
                    (A) Post-crash fire rescue tools.
                    (B) Modifications to the design, construction, and
                performance of motor vehicles to improve access points
                for first responders.
                    (C) Standardized motor vehicle fuel type labeling.
                    (D) Fire suppression methods appropriate for motor
                vehicle batteries.
                    (E) Any design or engineering of motor vehicle
                batteries that minimizes thermal runaway incidents.
                    (F) Any other relevant factor reviewed, assessed,
                and evaluated by the Working Group.
            (2) Provide recommendations to the Secretary and the
        Administrator about the factors reviewed, assessed, and
        evaluated under subsection (a).
    (g) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Working Group shall submit to the relevant
congressional committees a report about the work the Working Group has
done pursuant to subsection (f), including any recommendations provided
pursuant to subsection (f)(2).
    (h) Termination.--The Working Group shall terminate on the date
that is 60 days after the date on which the report is submitted
pursuant to subsection (g).
    (i) FACA.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly
referred to as the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply
to the Working Group.

SEC. 18. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT EXEMPTION.

    (a) Research Efficiency.--Research performed by the Administrator
pursuant to sections 30181, 30182, 30183, and 32502(g) of title 49,
United States Code, is exempt from subchapter I of chapter 35 of title
44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act).
    (b) Committee Efficiency.----
            (1) In general.--Solicitation of information, data,
        research, and evidence by the Committee pursuant to sections
        30181, 30182, 30183, and 32502(g) of title 49, United States
        Code, is exempt from subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44,
        United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction
        Act).
            (2) Committee defined.--In this subsection, the term
        ``Committee'' means the NCAP Advisory Committee established
        under section 4(b)(1) of this Act.
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