H.R. 6947: Securing Accessible Funtional Emergency Exit Act of 2026

The bill titled the Securing Accessible Functional Emergency Exit Act of 2026 aims to enhance safety in new motor vehicles by mandating the installation of a manual door release system. Here are the key elements of what this legislation would accomplish:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of the bill is to ensure that all new motor vehicles have a manual mechanism that allows occupants to exit the vehicle during emergencies, especially when there is a failure of the vehicle's electrical systems.

Requirements for Vehicle Manufacturers

• The Secretary of Transportation is required to issue a final rule that establishes performance and labeling requirements for vehicles equipped with electronic door latch systems.
• The rule must be issued within two years after the enactment of the bill.
• Each vehicle's door must have:
• A power-independent manual release that is easy to find and intuitive to use, allowing occupants to exit the vehicle safely.
• Means for emergency responders to access the vehicle's occupant compartment if the vehicle's electrical power is lost.

Compliance and Implementation

The compliance date for the updated rules must be no later than two years after the rule is issued by the Secretary of Transportation. This ensures a prompt transition to enhanced vehicle safety standards.

Definitions in the Bill

• Electronic door latch: A door-locking mechanism that operates using electrical power.
• Manual release: A mechanical device that allows the door latch to be disengaged for occupant egress without needing electrical power.
• Standard 206: Refers to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 206, which governs door locks and door retention components.

Overall Impact

This bill seeks to improve the safety of vehicle occupants by ensuring that they have a reliable way to exit their vehicles during emergencies, even if the electrical systems fail. The bill is particularly relevant in scenarios such as accidents, where quick evacuation can be critical.

Relevant Companies

• Ford Motor Company (F) - As a major manufacturer of vehicles, Ford would need to comply with the new regulations regarding manual door releases in their future vehicle designs.
• Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) - Tesla, which primarily uses electronic door mechanisms, may need to modify their vehicle designs to include a manual release as specified in the bill.
• General Motors Company (GM) - GM would also be affected as they will need to implement the manual door release system in their new models to comply with the legislation.