S. 1682: Alex Gate Safety Act of 2025

The Alex Gate Safety Act of 2025 aims to enhance safety standards for certain types of gates, specifically those classified as "covered gates," which include automatic and manual vehicular gates and other large gates. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Establishment of Safety Standards

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will be required to develop a final consumer product safety standard for covered gates. The new standards will include:

• Compliance with specific safety-related standards (ASTM and ANSI/CAN/UL standards) applicable to the gates as of January 1, 2025.
• When applicable, gates with operators or similar systems must meet relevant safety specifications.

Determination of Gate Types

The CPSC will identify which types of covered gates are subject to these standards, ensuring that they fall under the Commission's jurisdiction.

Revision of Voluntary Standards

If any voluntary safety standards are revised, the organization responsible must notify the CPSC. The revised standards will automatically be considered adopted after 180 days unless the CPSC rejects them within 90 days, stating they do not improve safety. The CPSC will publish notices regarding any adoption of revised standards.

Future Rulemaking

The CPSC can initiate modifications to the safety standard at any time, should they find that changes could further reduce risks associated with covered gates.

Education and Awareness Campaign

Within two years, the CPSC will execute a national campaign aimed at educating the public about risks linked to covered gates, including:

• The dangers of detached or falling gates.
• Methods to prevent injuries, including safety standards and best practices for installation, maintenance, and inspection.

This campaign will include education for manufacturers, consumers, and building officials, and the CPSC is required to submit a report to Congress detailing campaign actions within three years of the bill's enactment.

Definitions

The bill defines key terms related to its provisions:

• Building Official: Any person responsible for modifying or enforcing building codes.
• Commission: Refers to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Covered Gate: Includes automatic and manual vehicular gates, as well as other large gates exceeding 48 inches wide or 84 inches high.
• Local Educational Agency: As defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
• Manufacturer: Defined according to the Consumer Product Safety Act.
• Positive Stops: Components that impede the motion of a covered gate.
• State: Defined per the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Implementation Timeline

The timeline for implementing the provisions of the act includes:

• One year to develop the safety standards.
• Two years to conduct an awareness and education campaign.
• Three years for the CPSC to report on the campaign to Congress.

Relevant Companies

None found.