Brett Guthrie (R-KY)
Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 1.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 aims to update the motor vehicle safety programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It requires the creation of a comprehensive motor vehicle safety rulemaking and research priority plan. The bill establishes a new Office of the New Car Assessment Program to improve consumer information and safety technology evaluation. It also mandates the creation of several advisory committees and working groups to address automation, fire rescue, and consumer education. Additionally, the act directs various studies regarding vehicle ownership costs, identification systems, and wheelchair securement.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +7
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes safety for wheelchair users through a feasibility study of automated securement systems.
- Scored +6
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?
The bill mandates a study on automated wheelchair securement systems to increase safety for individuals using wheelchairs in vehicles.
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill enhances consumer protection by establishing a New Car Assessment Program Office to provide better safety information and consumer education.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Consumer Information: The establishment of the NCAP Office and the mandate for consumer education activities aims to increase awareness of passenger motor vehicle safety technologies. (Section 4(a)(3))
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Enhanced Safety Research and Planning: The requirement for a priority plan ensures that rulemaking and research are organized and transparently communicated to the public and Congress. (Section 3)
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Improved Recall Effectiveness: The bill directs a study to identify why recalled vehicles aren't being serviced and tasks the Administrator with taking actions to improve those rates. (Section 10)
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Modernized Notification Methods: Safety recall notifications can now be sent via electronic mail or other electronic means, providing more flexible ways for owners to receive important information. (Section 11)
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Increased Safety for Wheelchair Users: The bill mandates a study on the feasibility of automated wheelchair securement systems to increase safety for these individuals in motor vehicles. (Section 15)
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Better Post-Crash Safety: The creation of a Fire Rescue Working Group focuses on ensuring the safe and efficient extraction of vehicle occupants after a crash. (Section 17)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Manufacturer Costs: The bill requires the Administrator to consider the costs to manufacturers when reviewing whether to revise or eliminate motor vehicle safety standards. (Section 5(b)(1))
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Potential Changes to Safety Standards: The Administrator is directed to review motor vehicle safety standards to determine if any should be revised or eliminated. (Section 5(a))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes safety for wheelchair users through a feasibility study of automated securement systems. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill includes a working group to educate consumers about automated driving systems, which benefits older adults. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill directs a study on motor vehicle ownership costs, which can help low-income households understand long-term expenses.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill mandates a study on automated wheelchair securement systems to increase safety for individuals using wheelchairs in vehicles.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances consumer protection by establishing a New Car Assessment Program Office to provide better safety information and consumer education.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the publication of a comprehensive motor vehicle safety rulemaking and research priority plan on a public website.
- 5/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 1.
- 2/10/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
- Introduced in House