May 26, 2026, Washington D.C. - The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce considered 16 bills during a full committee markup held on May 21. Among the measures advanced was H.R. 7389, Chairman Brett Guthrie’s Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, which incorporates several previously introduced automotive-related bills through amendment.

The underlying text of H.R. 7389 would modernize several of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) existing procedures if enacted into law. Under the legislation, NHTSA would be required to review Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards every four years. The bill would also permit recall notices to be delivered electronically, including through email and other digital notifications. Additionally, the legislation would establish a clearer distinction between Level 3 and higher automated driving systems (ADS) and lower-level driver assistance technologies. Overall, the bill is intended to make NHTSA’s rulemaking process more transparent, efficient, and accountable.

In addition to the vehicle modernization provisions, the package also incorporated language from the REPAIR Act, originally introduced as standalone legislation by Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL). The provisions were included under Subtitle B — Aftermarket and Consumer Protection, Part I. The incorporated language represents a narrower version of the original REPAIR Act and primarily focuses on codifying existing industry Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) reached in 2014 and 2015 into federal law.

Section 202 of the bill outlines the codification and enforcement of these MOUs. Passenger vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or less would be required to comply with Sections 1 through 5 of the 2014 MOU signed by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, and the Association of Global Automakers.

Commercial vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds would be required to comply with Sections 2 through 8 of the 2015 MOU signed by the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network, the Equipment and Tool Institute, the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Canada, the Auto Care Association, and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association.

Section 203 establishes enforcement authority for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which would be responsible for addressing violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under federal law.

Section 204 sets forth guidelines for the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study to examine certain marketplace practices in the motor vehicle aftermarket. The FTC is required to review practices that prohibit or restrict access to telematics and repair information. The FTC would then provide a summary of their findings to Congress no later than 4 years after the enactment of the Act.

Notably absent from the markup was the PART Act, legislation that would federally mandate the printing of vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on catalytic converters as an anti-theft measure.

The Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 by a roll call vote of 48 yeas to 1 nay. The legislation will now move forward for consideration as part of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act.

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