Bills · HR 6947
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6947Department of TransportationMotor vehicles
SAFE Exit Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 6· LAST ACTION FEB 10
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because modern cars increasingly rely on electrical systems for everything, including door locks. While convenient, this can create a serious safety risk if the electrical system fails due to an accident, fire, or other malfunction, potentially trapping occupants inside. If this bill becomes law, it would establish a critical backup safety feature, ensuring that people can always manually open their car doors to escape, even if the power is out.
If the bill does not become law, new cars would continue to be manufactured without a universal, power-independent manual release for all doors. This means that in an emergency involving electrical failure, occupants might still struggle to exit their vehicles, and emergency responders might face greater challenges accessing a disabled vehicle. This legislation aims to prevent potentially life-threatening situations by adding a simple yet crucial layer of safety to future car designs.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Department of Transportation to create new safety rules for cars with electronic door locks within two years of the bill becoming law.
This sets the federal government's responsibility to establish the specific standards for the new safety features.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that new cars must have a manual, power-independent, and easy-to-use door release for every door, allowing occupants to exit even if the car's electrical system fails.
This directly addresses the safety gap by providing a reliable backup mechanism for escape in emergencies.
PROVISION 03
Requires new cars to include ways for emergency responders to access the vehicle's interior if the electrical system is dead.
This improves safety for both trapped occupants and rescuers by making emergency access more efficient and less destructive.
PROVISION 04
Sets a compliance date for car manufacturers, requiring them to build cars according to the new rules within two years after the Department of Transportation issues them.
This provides a clear timeline for the auto industry to implement the required safety changes in new vehicles.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· Illinois
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
22
ACTION TIMELINE
5 EVENTSFEB 10
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
FEB 10
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
JAN 6
Introduced in House
JAN 6
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 6947
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 6, 2026
Last actionFeb 10, 2026
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 6, 2026
House BillHR 6947Department of TransportationMotor vehicles
SAFE Exit Act of 2026
INTRODUCED JAN 6, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 10, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
