Contact Congress about H.R. 7389: Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026
NHTSA would have to plan car safety work more openly and update safety ratings. The bill could also let more new-design vehicles use safety-rule exemptions while studies look at recalls, automation, fire rescue, and vehicle ID numbers.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 1.
Latest action on H.R. 7389: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 1.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects NHTSA, carmakers, drivers, car buyers, safety groups, and people who rely on newer vehicle technology. It could change how quickly new safety features are tested and explained. It could also affect how many vehicles with new or unusual designs reach the road under special safety-rule exemptions.
Why this matters: Vehicle safety rules can lag behind new car technology, and this bill tries to make NHTSA update and explain that work more often. It could give the public clearer safety ratings and better information about driver-assist and automated systems. It could also help new vehicle designs reach the road faster through larger exemptions. The tradeoff is that some big choices would happen later through agency guidance, reports, and future rules.
Key provisions in H.R. 7389
- NHTSA must create a public plan for vehicle safety rules and research. The plan must cover the next 36 months, be updated every two years, and go to Congress.
- Each plan must list planned safety rules and research projects. It must include legal authority, research progress, related NCAP work, and expected dates for notices and final rules.
- The bill creates an Office of the New Car Assessment Program inside NHTSA. An Associate Administrator would run NCAP, set plans, oversee voluntary tests by carmakers, and lead consumer education tied to NCAP.
- The bill creates an 18-member NCAP Advisory Committee for 10 years. Members would come from carmakers, safety groups, universities, insurers, disability advocates, state safety offices, and crash-victim advocates.
- The NCAP Advisory Committee must report within four years on whether another type of group could manage NCAP. The report must review options like a public-private partnership or nonprofit, including control, funding, and costs.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 7389
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 7389
- What is H.R. 7389?
- NHTSA would have to plan car safety work more openly and update safety ratings. The bill could also let more new-design vehicles use safety-rule exemptions while studies look at recalls, automation, fire rescue, and vehicle ID numbers.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 7389?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 7389?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 7389 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
