03/20/2026

House Subcommittee Reviews Auto Safety, Consumer Choice and Competition Issues

Source: Body Shop Business

On Jan. 13, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held a hearing titled, “Examining Legislative Options to Strengthen Motor Vehicle Safety, Ensure Consumer Choice and Cement U.S. Automotive Leadership.” The hearing focused on 16 proposed bills and discussion drafts regarding automotive manufacturing, regulations, safety and innovation.

Witnesses included Hilary Cain, senior vice president, Alliance for Automotive Innovation; Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association; Finch Fulton, government affairs advisor, K&L Gates; and Michael Brooks, executive director, Center for Auto Safety.

SELF DRIVE Act

The bipartisan discussion draft of Rep. Latta’s “Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution Act of 2026” (SELF DRIVE Act) was discussed during the hearing. This bill focuses primarily on high-level safety frameworks, definitions and requirements for automated driving systems (ADS) at SAE levels 3-5.

The Self-Drive Act would require manufacturers to develop a comprehensive “safety case” that includes detailed description of hardware and software; operational design domain; performance in normal driving and crash avoidance; handling of vulnerable road users (e.g., pedestrians and cyclists) and more. The safety case must also detail the capabilities of the suite of sensors included in the automated driving systems.

Additionally, the bill proposes establishing a National Automated Vehicle Safety Data Repository that would mandate that manufacturers submit detailed reports on serious crashes known as “covered crashes” and quarterly mileage reports with ADS engaged.

Vehicle Safety Inspections

ASA Chairman Dan Stander was encouraged by the discussion on safety standards for autonomous vehicles (AV) but would like the committee to consider the importance of including in any AV bill the requirement of vehicle safety inspections stating, “Periodic motor vehicle inspections protect the motoring public. Numerous studies, in those states that have vehicle safety inspections, provide data demonstrating less accidents, injuries and deaths than in states without safety inspection programs. With the number of sensors in these high-tech vehicles, inspections are critical to ensure proper calibrations. In addition, if a vehicle has been in an accident, it is important that a third-party inspects the vehicle prior to re-sale to keep roadways safe.”

REPAIR Act and SAFE Repair Act

H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR Act), was also addressed at the hearing, with support and opposition from both sides of the aisle. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation proposed a legislative framework for the SAFE Repair Act that encourages vehicle safety by promoting inspection programs while also offering parts choice with transparency.

Cain testified, “The legislation does not limit repair access or favor franchise dealers over independent repair shops. Independent repairers retain full access to the information needed to diagnose and repair vehicles.

“The proposal preserves competition while strengthening consumer data protections and reinforcing safety standards.”