S5336119th CongressWALLET

Uniform Vehicle Safety Standards Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Fischer, Deb [R-NE]

Introduced

Summary

Exempts manufacturers from common-law claims that fault them for failing to exceed federal motor vehicle safety standards. The Uniform Vehicle Safety Standards Act of 2026 would amend 49 U.S.C. 30103(e) to create an explicit exemption "for failure to exceed such standard" and bar tort suits that try to impose requirements beyond those the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets. The change is meant to keep federal safety rules uniform across states and lower the interstate commerce burden of state-by-state litigation.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Limits consumer lawsuits over vehicle safety

If enacted, this bill would bar certain state-law lawsuits against vehicle and parts makers. It would amend 49 U.S.C. 30103(e) so common-law causes of action are "exempt" when they are based on an alleged failure to exceed an NHTSA motor vehicle safety standard. That means claims that a vehicle or component did not exceed an applicable federal safety standard would be barred. The provided text does not specify an effective date or a sunset.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Fischer, Deb [R-NE]

NE • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]

    WY • R

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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