Sponsor
Robin L. Kelly
Representative · D-IL
Representative · D-IL
The bill improves occupant and responder safety by requiring mechanical, non-powered door releases and sets a clear federal timeline for compliance, at the cost of added manufacturer expenses (which may raise vehicle prices), potential burdens on small suppliers, and a risk of poorly designed releases introducing new failure modes.
Vehicle occupants (drivers and passengers, including children and seniors) gain a non-powered, easy-to-find mechanical door release that improves the ability to exit if vehicle power or electronics fail.
Emergency responders and extrication teams receive a required means to access the occupant compartment when vehicle power is lost, facilitating faster lifesaving access and rescue.
Motor vehicle manufacturers and the market gain a clear federal deadline (rule within 2 years, compliance within 2 years after rule), providing regulatory certainty and a predictable timeline for safety upgrades.
Vehicle manufacturers will incur design, testing, and labeling costs to meet the new Standard 206 amendments, costs that are likely passed on to consumers and could raise vehicle prices.
If mechanical manual releases are poorly specified or incorrectly designed, they could be misused or introduce new failure modes, increasing safety risks and maintenance needs for drivers and passengers.
A two-year compliance period could be burdensome for smaller manufacturers or suppliers that must redesign components and update production lines quickly.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOT to amend FMVSS No. 206 so vehicles with electronic door latches have power-independent manual releases and emergency access methods, with rule and 2-year compliance timelines.
Official title: To amend title 49, United States Code, to require each new motor vehicle to be equipped with a manual door release allowing timely exit regardless of failure of any electrical system, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 6, 2026 by Robin L. Kelly · Last progress January 6, 2026
Requires the Department of Transportation to update the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS No. 206) for vehicles that use electronic door latch systems so each occupant door has a power-independent, easy-to-find mechanical manual release and there is a way for emergency responders to access the occupant compartment when vehicle power is lost. The Secretary must issue a final rule within two years and manufacturers must comply no later than two years after the rule is issued.