H.R. 7389

[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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