Awning Safety Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1767
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T19:53:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Awning Safety Act of 2025 aims to enhance consumer safety by mandating the creation of a federal safety standard for retractable awnings. It addresses risks of death or serious injury from hazards like awnings unexpectedly opening and striking people, particularly during the removal of protective tie-downs (such as bungee cords).
Key Provisions
- Timeline and Requirement: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) must issue a final consumer product safety standard for fixed and freestanding retractable awnings within 18 months of the Act's enactment. This standard will be developed through the standard federal rulemaking process (under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, which outlines procedures for agency regulations).
- Scope of Hazards: The standard targets risks associated with retractable awnings, including sudden deployment that could harm users.
- CPSC's Role in Defining Coverage: The CPSC will determine which specific types of retractable awning devices fall under the standard, focusing on those reasonably necessary to mitigate identified hazards.
- Legal Treatment: The new standard will be enforced as a consumer product safety rule under sections 7 and 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056 and 2058), which allow for testing, certification, and penalties for non-compliance.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This Act introduces a new, mandatory federal safety standard specifically for retractable awnings, which were not previously subject to such a targeted regulation under the Consumer Product Safety Act. It compels the CPSC to act proactively rather than relying solely on voluntary guidelines or reactive recalls, expanding the agency's authority to regulate these products through formal rulemaking.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The CPSC will face increased responsibilities for developing, implementing, and enforcing the standard, potentially requiring resources for research, testing, and oversight of compliance.
- On Citizens: Consumers, especially homeowners and those using outdoor awnings, may benefit from reduced injury risks, leading to fewer accidents and related medical costs. However, safer products could slightly increase awning prices due to manufacturing adjustments.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the Act focuses on domestic consumer products without addressing imports, exports, or foreign entities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Consumers: Individuals who purchase or use retractable awnings, particularly for residential or commercial shading, who stand to gain from enhanced safety.
- Manufacturers and Retailers: Companies producing or selling fixed and freestanding retractable awnings, who must comply with the new standard, potentially involving redesigns, testing, and certification costs.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): The federal agency responsible for promulgating and enforcing the standard, affecting its regulatory workload and priorities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: The Act strengthens consumer protection by integrating the new standard into the existing framework of the Consumer Product Safety Act, enabling civil penalties, product recalls, and bans for non-compliant awnings. It emphasizes evidence-based rulemaking to ensure the standard is practical and effective.
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate commerce and protect public health and safety; no apparent conflicts with due process or other rights, as it targets product design rather than individual behavior.
- Political Implications: Represents a targeted legislative response to specific safety concerns, potentially setting a precedent for future product-specific mandates. It passed the House and was referred to a Senate committee, indicating bipartisan interest in consumer safety without broader partisan controversy evident in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-06-23: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-06-23: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2854)
- 2025-06-23: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2854)
- 2025-06-23: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1767.
- 2025-06-23: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2854-2855)
- 2025-06-23: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-06-12: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 124.
- 2025-06-12: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-158.
- 2025-06-12: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-158.
- 2025-03-04: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-03-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Awning Safety Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-23 — PDF (4 pages)
- Awning Safety Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (2 pages)
- Awning Safety Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-24 — PDF (3 pages)
- Awning Safety Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (6 pages)