HR 6051 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

112th CONGRESSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

2d SessionCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

H. R. 6051CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend certain provisions of title 49, United States Code, relating to motor vehicle safety, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

June 28, 2012CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mrs. BONO MACK introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

A BILLCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend certain provisions of title 49, United States Code, relating to motor vehicle safety, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2012’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. PERMIT REMINDER SYSTEM FOR NON-USE OF SAFETY BELTS.

(a) In General- Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in section 30122, by striking subsection (d); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by amending section 30124 to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 30124. Nonuse of safety belts

‘A motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter may not require a manufacturer to comply with the standard by using a safety belt interlock designed to prevent starting or operating a motor vehicle if an occupant is not using a safety belt.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Conforming Amendment- The analysis for chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 30124 and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘30124. Nonuse of safety belts.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. ODOMETER REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Definition- Section 32702(5) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ‘or system of components’ after ‘instrument’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Electronic Disclosures of Odometer Information- Section 32705 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(g) Electronic Disclosures- Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2012, in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations permitting any written disclosures or notices and related matters to be provided electronically.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. INCREASED PENALTIES AND DAMAGES FOR ODOMETER FRAUD.

Chapter 327 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in section 32709(a)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking ‘$2,000’ and inserting ‘$10,000’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking ‘$100,000’ and inserting ‘$1,000,000’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in section 32710(a), by striking ‘$1,500’ and inserting ‘$10,000’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. EXTEND PROHIBITIONS ON IMPORTING NONCOMPLIANT VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.

Section 30112 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) Except as provided in this section, section 30114, subsections (i) and (j) of section 30120, and subchapter III, a person may not sell, offer for sale, introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into the United States any motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment if the vehicle or equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety about which notice was given under section 30118(c) or an order was issued under section 30118(b). Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit the importation of a new motor vehicle that receives a required recall remedy before being sold to a consumer in the United States.’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (b)(2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘or’ at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subparagraph (B), by adding ‘or’ at the end; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) having no reason to know, despite exercising reasonable care, that a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety about which notice was given under section 30118(c) or an order was issued under section 30118(b);’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. CONDITIONS ON IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.

Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating to section 30164 and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘30164. Service of process; conditions on importation of vehicles and equipment.’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in section 30164--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in the section heading, by adding ‘; conditions on importation of vehicles and equipment’ at the end; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Identifying Information- A manufacturer (including an importer) offering a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment for import shall provide, upon request, such information that is necessary to identify and track the products as the Secretary, by rule, may specify, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) the product by name and the manufacturer’s address; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) each retailer or distributor to which the manufacturer directly supplied motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment over which the Secretary has jurisdiction under this chapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Regulations on the Import of a Motor Vehicle- The Secretary may issue regulations that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) condition the import of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment on the manufacturer’s compliance with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) the requirements under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) paragraph (1) or (3) of section 30112(a) with respect to such motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) the provision of reports and records required to be maintained with respect to such motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment under this chapter;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) a request for inspection of premises, vehicle, or equipment under section 30166;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) an order or voluntary agreement to remedy such vehicle or equipment; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) any rules implementing the requirements described in this subsection;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) provide an opportunity for the manufacturer to present information before the Secretary’s determination as to whether the manufacturer’s imports should be restricted; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) establish a process by which a manufacturer may petition for reinstatement of its ability to import motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Exception- The requirements of subsections (c) and (d) shall not apply to original manufacturers (or wholly owned subsidiaries) of motor vehicles that, prior to the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2012--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) have imported motor vehicles into the United States that are certified to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) have submitted to the Secretary appropriate manufacturer identification information under part 566 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) if applicable, have identified a current agent for service of process in accordance with part 551 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Rulemaking- In issuing regulations under this section, the Secretary shall seek to reduce duplicative requirements by coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. PORT INSPECTIONS; SAMPLES FOR EXAMINATION OR TESTING.

Section 30166(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘and’ at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (3)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘(including at United States ports of entry)’ after ‘held for introduction in interstate commerce’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Homeland Security for inspections and sampling of motor vehicle equipment being offered for import to determine compliance with this chapter or a regulation or order issued under this chapter.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF RECALL INFORMATION.

(a) Vehicle Recall Information- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall require that the motor vehicle safety recall information--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) be available to the public on the Internet;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) be searchable by vehicle make and model and vehicle identification number;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) be in a format that preserves consumer privacy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) includes information about each recall that has not been completed for each vehicle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Rulemaking- The Secretary of Transportation may initiate a rulemaking proceeding to require each manufacturer to provide the information described in subsection (a), with respect to that manufacturer’s motor vehicles, on a publicly accessible Internet Web site. Any rules promulgated under this subsection--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) shall limit the information that must be made available under this section to include only those recalls issued not more than 15 years prior to the date of enactment of this Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) may require information under paragraph (1) to be provided to a dealer or an owner of a vehicle at no charge; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) shall permit a manufacturer a reasonable period of time after receiving information from a dealer with respect to a vehicle to update the information about the vehicle on the publicly accessible Internet Web site.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Promotion of Availability of Recall Information- The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the heads of other relevant agencies, shall promote consumer awareness of the information made available to the public pursuant to this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9. PROMOTION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HOTLINE FOR MANUFACTURER, DEALER, AND MECHANIC PERSONNEL.

The Secretary of Transportation shall publicize the means for contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a manner that target mechanics, passenger motor vehicle dealership personnel, and manufacturer personnel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 10. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH DEALERS.

Section 30166(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘A manufacturer shall give the Secretary of Transportation’ and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- A manufacturer shall give the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible Internet Web site,’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) INDEX- Communications required to be submitted to the Secretary under this subsection shall be accompanied by an index to each communication, that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) identifies the make, model, and model year of the affected vehicles;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) includes a concise summary of the subject matter of the communication; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) shall be made available by the Secretary to the public on the Internet in a searchable format.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 11. PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION PROGRAM.

(a) Definition- Section 32301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ‘crash avoidance’ means preventing or mitigating a crash;’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in paragraph (2), as redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘; and’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Information Included- Section 32302(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘, crash avoidance, and any other areas the Secretary determines will improve the safety of passenger motor vehicles’ after ‘crashworthiness’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking paragraph (4).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 12. PROMOTION OF VEHICLE DEFECT REPORTING.

Section 32302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Motor Vehicle Defect Reporting Information-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) RULEMAKING REQUIRED- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2012, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations that require passenger motor vehicle manufacturers--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) to affix, in the glove compartment or in another readily accessible location on the vehicle, a sticker, decal, or other device that provides, in simple and understandable language, information about how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) to prominently print the information described in subparagraph (A) within the owner’s manual; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) to not place such information on the label required under section 3 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 1232).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) APPLICATION- The requirements under paragraph (1) shall apply to passenger motor vehicles manufactured in any model year beginning more than 1 year after the date on which a final rule is published under paragraph (1).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 13. STUDY OF CRASH DATA COLLECTION.

(a) In General- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives regarding the quality of data collected through the National Automotive Sampling System, including the Special Crash Investigations Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Review- The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (referred to in this section as the ‘Administration’) shall conduct a comprehensive review of the data elements collected from each crash to determine if additional data should be collected. The review under this subsection shall include input from interested parties, including suppliers, automakers, safety advocates, the medical community, and research organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Contents- The report issues under this section shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the analysis and conclusions the Administration can reach from the amount of motor vehicle crash data collected in a given year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the additional analysis and conclusions the Administration could reach if more crash investigations were conducted each year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the number of investigations per year that would allow for optimal data analysis and crash information;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) the results of the comprehensive review conducted pursuant to subsection (b);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) the incremental costs of collecting and analyzing additional data, as well as data from additional crashes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) the potential for obtaining private funding for all or a portion of the costs under paragraph (5);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) the potential for recovering any additional costs from high volume users of the data, while continuing to make the data available to the general public free of charge;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) the advantages or disadvantages of expanding collection of non-crash data instead of crash data;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) recommendations for improvements to the Administration’s data collection program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) the resources needed by the Administration to implement such recommendations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 14. UPDATE MEANS OF PROVIDING NOTIFICATION; IMPROVING EFFICACY OF RECALLS.

(a) Update of Means of Providing Notification- Section 30119(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘by first class mail’ and inserting ‘in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking ‘(except a tire) shall be sent by first class mail’ and inserting ‘shall be sent in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking the second sentence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in paragraph (3)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking the first sentence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by inserting ‘to the notification required under paragraphs (1) and (2)’ after ‘addition’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by inserting ‘by the manufacturer’ after ‘given’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘by certified mail or quicker means if available’ and inserting ‘in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Improving Efficacy of Recalls- Section 30119(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘Second’ and inserting ‘Additional’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking ‘If the Secretary’ and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) SECOND NOTIFICATION- If the Secretary’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATIONS- If the Secretary determines, after taking into account the severity of the defect or noncompliance, that the second notification by a manufacturer does not result in an adequate number of motor vehicles or items of replacement equipment being returned for remedy, the Secretary may order the manufacturer--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A)(i) to send additional notifications in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) to take additional steps to locate and notify each person registered under State law as the owner or lessee or the most recent purchaser or lessee, as appropriate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) to emphasize the magnitude of the safety risk caused by the defect or noncompliance in such notification.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 15. EXPANDING CHOICES OF REMEDY AVAILABLE TO MANUFACTURERS OF REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT.

Section 30120 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a)(1), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) if replacement equipment, by repairing the equipment, replacing the equipment with identical or reasonably equivalent equipment, or by refunding the purchase price.’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in the heading of subsection (i), by adding ‘of New Vehicles or Equipment’ at the end; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in the heading of subsection (j), by striking ‘Replaced’ and inserting ‘Replacement’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 16. RECALL OBLIGATIONS AND BANKRUPTCY OF MANUFACTURER.

(a) In General- Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following after section 30120:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 30120A. Recall obligations and bankruptcy of a manufacturer

‘A manufacturer’s filing of a petition in bankruptcy under chapter 11 of title 11, does not negate the manufacturer’s duty to comply with section 30112 or sections 30115 through 30120 of this title. In any bankruptcy proceeding, the manufacturer’s obligations under such sections shall be treated as a claim of the United States Government against such manufacturer, subject to subchapter II of chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code, and given priority pursuant to section 3713(a)(1)(A) of such chapter, notwithstanding section 3713(a)(2), to ensure that consumers are adequately protected from any safety defect or noncompliance determined to exist in the manufacturer’s products. This section shall apply equally to actions of a manufacturer taken before or after the filing of a petition in bankruptcy.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Conforming Amendment- The chapter analysis of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 30120 the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘30120A. Recall obligations and bankruptcy of a manufacturer.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 17. REPEAL OF INSURANCE REPORTS AND INFORMATION PROVISION.

Chapter 331 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating to section 33112; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking section 33112.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 18. MONRONEY STICKER TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL SAFETY RATING CATEGORIES.

Section 3(g)(2) of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 1232(g)(2)), is amended by inserting ‘safety rating categories that may include’ after ‘refers to’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 19. NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION ELECTRONICS, SOFTWARE, AND ENGINEERING EXPERTISE.

(a) Council for Vehicle Electronics, Vehicle Software, and Emerging Technologies-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Transportation shall establish, within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a Council for Vehicle Electronics, Vehicle Software, and Emerging Technologies (referred to in this section as the ‘Council’) to build, integrate, and aggregate the Administration’s expertise in passenger motor vehicle electronics and other new and emerging technologies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) IMPLEMENTATION OF ROADMAP- The Council shall research the inclusion of emerging lightweight plastic and composite technologies in motor vehicles to increase fuel efficiency, lower emissions, meet fuel economy standards, and enhance passenger motor vehicle safety through continued utilization of the Administration’s Plastic and Composite Intensive Vehicle Safety Roadmap (Report No. DOT HS 810 863).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) INTRA-AGENCY COORDINATION- The Council shall coordinate with all components of the Administration responsible for vehicle safety, including research and development, rulemaking, and defects investigation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Honors Recruitment Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Secretary of Transportation shall establish, within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an honors program for engineering students, computer science students, and other students interested in vehicle safety that will enable such students to train with engineers and other safety officials for a career in vehicle safety.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) STIPEND- The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to provide a stipend to any student during the student’s participation in the program established pursuant to paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Assessment- The Council, in consultation with affected stakeholders, shall periodically assess the implications of emerging safety technologies in passenger motor vehicles, including the effect of such technologies on consumers, product availability, and cost.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 20. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE.

(a) In General- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall complete an examination of the need for safety standards with regard to electronic systems in passenger motor vehicles. In conducting this examination, the Secretary of Transportation shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) consider the electronic components, the interaction of electronic components, the security needs for those electronic systems to prevent unauthorized access, and the effect of surrounding environments on the electronic systems; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) allow for public comment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Report- Upon completion of the examination under subsection (a), the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report on the highest priority areas for safety with regard to the electronic systems to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 21. CHILD SAFETY SEATS.

(a) Side Impact Crashes- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213 to improve the protection of children seated in child restraint systems during side impact crashes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Frontal Impact Test Parameters-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) COMMENCEMENT- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall commence a rulemaking proceeding to amend the standard seat assembly specifications under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213 to better simulate a single representative motor vehicle rear seat.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FINAL RULE- Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule pursuant to paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 22. CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.

(a) Initiation of Rulemaking Proceeding- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 225 (relating to child restraint anchorage systems) to improve the ease of use for lower anchorages and tethers in all rear seat seating positions if such anchorages and tethers are feasible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Final Rule-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided under paragraph (2) and section 24, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule under subsection (a) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT- If the Secretary of Transportation determines that an amendment to the standard referred to in subsection (a) does not meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report describing the reasons for not prescribing such a standard to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 23. REAR SEAT BELT REMINDERS.

(a) Initiation of Rulemaking Proceeding- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 208 (relating to occupant crash protection) to provide a safety belt use warning system for designated seating positions in the rear seat.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Final Rule-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided under paragraph (2) and section 24, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule under subsection (a) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT- If the Secretary of Transportation determines that an amendment to the standard referred to in subsection (a) does not meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report describing the reasons for not prescribing such a standard to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 24. NEW DEADLINE.

If the Secretary of Transportation determines that any deadline for issuing a final rule under this Act cannot be met, the Secretary of Transportation shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives with an explanation for why such deadline cannot be met; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) establish a new deadline for that rule.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink