119-HR-7390 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 7390 SELF DRIVE Act of 2026
A bipartisan House bill would set national safety rules for self‑driving vehicles: it directs NHTSA to require manufacturers to prepare a documented “safety case,” creates a federal crash‑data repository to replace today’s ad‑hoc reporting, allows limited commercial testing, and trims some state‑by‑state restrictions—drawing praise from the AV industry and skepticism from safety advocates and labor groups. (environmentalhealthsafetybrief.sidley.com)
Headline Summary
Sets a federal safety framework for self‑driving cars and trucks by requiring a manufacturer “safety case,” building a national crash‑data system, allowing limited revenue operations during testing, and narrowing certain state restrictions, while preserving core state traffic powers. (environmentalhealthsafetybrief.sidley.com)
What It Does
In plain English: the bill tells NHTSA to write a rule (by September 30, 2027) that makes every automated‑driving manufacturer document how its system is safe—a “safety case” covering sensors, software, crash avoidance, cybersecurity, and how the vehicle pulls over to a safe stop if needed. It also sets up a National Automated Vehicle Safety Data Repository so serious ADS‑involved crashes and quarterly ADS miles are reported federally (replacing NHTSA’s Standing General Order once the new system is live). And it lets DOT authorize limited, closely monitored commercial rides or freight moves during testing. Finally, it asks Commerce to report on its new national‑security rule for connected‑vehicle supply chains. (environmentalhealthsafetybrief.sidley.com)
Who’s For It
- Bill leads: Rep. Bob Latta (R‑OH) with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D‑MI) as co‑drafter; they frame it as a national safety and regulatory framework. (latta.house.gov)
- Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) and member companies: say clear federal rules will speed safety benefits, mobility for people with disabilities, and U.S. tech leadership. (theavindustry.org)
Who’s Against It
- Safety advocates (e.g., Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety): want firm minimum standards, stronger public data, and to preserve state authority; warn against broad testing permissions and mass exemptions. (saferoads.org)
- Labor groups (e.g., International Brotherhood of Teamsters): raise job‑loss and safety concerns about driverless operations, and oppose efforts that override human‑operator requirements. (teamster.org)
What’s Next
Status as of February 6, 2026: Introduced on February 5, 2026 and referred to House committees; no votes yet. A discussion draft was examined at a House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee hearing on January 13, 2026. Next steps are subcommittee and full‑committee markups before any House floor vote. (energycommerce.house.gov)
Tone
Neutral and straightforward: this summary explains what the bill would do, why supporters and opponents say it matters, and where it sits in the process—without insider jargon.
Discussion