SAFE Exit Act of 2026

119 HR 6947 IH: Securing Accessible Funtional Emergency Exit Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives 2026-01-06 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6947 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 6, 2026 Ms. Kelly of Illinois introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL 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. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Securing Accessible Funtional Emergency Exit Act of 2026 or the SAFE Exit Act of 2026 . 2. Vehicle standard for manual door release (a) Manual door release Subchapter II of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 30130. Manual door release (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule amending Standard 206 to establish performance and labeling requirements for motor vehicles equipped with an electronic door latch system, including manufacture requirements for— (1) a power independent, easy-to-find manual release for each door providing occupant egress, which shall be intuitive to use and readily accessible for the occupant; and (2) means for emergency responder access to the occupant compartment when vehicle electrical power is lost. (b) Compliance date The compliance date of the revised rule issued under subsection (a) shall be not later than 2 years after the date on which that rule is issued. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Electronic door latch The term electronic door latch means a door-locking or door-latching mechanism that relies on electrical power to release or secure a vehicle door. (2) Manual release The term manual release means a mechanical device intended for occupant egress that directly disengages the door latch without electrical power. (3) Standard 206 The term Standard 206 means Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 206, contained in section 571.206 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections for subchapter II of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: Sec. 30130. Manual door release. .