SAFE LiDAR Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6576

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Commerce

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-10: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2026-06-24T08:08:57Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The SAFE LiDAR Act of 2025 aims to protect U.S. national security by restricting the use and development of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology—sensors that use laser light to measure distances and create 3D maps—from countries considered foreign adversaries, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It targets risks like espionage, data theft, and supply chain disruptions in critical sectors like autonomous vehicles, defense, and infrastructure.

Key Provisions

• Prohibitions on Use and Transactions:
• Starting three years after enactment, individuals or entities (called "covered persons," such as businesses dealing in LiDAR-related commerce) cannot engage in deals that lead to the use of "covered foreign adversary LiDAR technology" in the U.S.
• Critical infrastructure operators (e.g., utilities, transportation systems) and federal government entities face stricter rules: no use of new such technology immediately upon enactment, and existing systems must be phased out within five years.

• Waivers and Exemptions:
• The Secretary of Commerce can grant case-by-case waivers if it's in the national interest, avoids undue hardship, or prevents disruption to essential services (with mitigation plans required for ongoing use). Waivers for general use are limited to three years and non-renewable.
• Exemptions apply to government testing, academic research, integration into products for export (not used in the U.S.), and international passenger/cargo transport like airplanes or ships.
• "Legacy" products (those in use before the effective dates) and necessary replacements for them are exempt from the general prohibition.

• Extensions for Supply Shortages:
• A two-year delay on the general prohibition if domestic alternatives are insufficient, with possible 180-day extensions based on fresh assessments. These can be challenged in court for factual errors.

• Limits on Partnerships:
• From enactment, U.S. entities cannot form new joint ventures, licensing deals, or similar partnerships with adversary-controlled companies if the goal is to produce or deploy such LiDAR for U.S. use.
• Exceptions allow ending adversary ties (via full divestment) or fulfilling pre-existing contracts, unless they were made to evade the law (a presumption applies for deals in the 180 days before enactment).

• Enforcement:
• Violations of use prohibitions carry civil penalties up to those under existing national security laws (e.g., fines based on transaction value).
• The Secretary of Commerce can seek court orders to stop, unwind, or block violative actions.
• Pre-enforcement notice and a 30-day response period are required.

• Transition Support:
• Within 90 days, the Commerce Department must create a program for outreach, compliance guidance, and waiver processes, including experts in autonomous vehicles and robotics to review dependency claims.
• Advisory opinions on waiver eligibility must be issued within 180 days of requests.
• A National Security Task Force will monitor risks from remaining adversary LiDAR, engage users, and share intelligence where appropriate.

• Reporting and Definitions:
• Annual reports to Congress on enforcement, waivers, threats, and circumvention efforts (may include classified parts).
• Key terms: "Covered foreign adversary LiDAR" includes tech developed by entities in adversary countries or 25%+ owned/controlled by them; "critical infrastructure" covers sectors like utilities, smart city systems, and transportation (updated annually).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces targeted restrictions on LiDAR technology, which were not specifically addressed in prior laws. It builds on broader national security frameworks (e.g., export controls and sanctions under the Commerce Department's authority) by adding phased bans, waiver processes, and partnership limits tailored to this emerging tech. It does not override state laws or other federal restrictions but allows them to coexist.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Federal entities and critical infrastructure operators (e.g., power grids, airports) must audit and replace adversary LiDAR, potentially increasing costs and requiring new procurement. The Commerce Department gains expanded oversight, including task forces and annual reporting.
• Citizens and Businesses: Companies in autonomous vehicles, robotics, defense, and manufacturing may face supply chain disruptions, higher costs for U.S. or allied alternatives, and compliance burdens. Everyday users (e.g., drivers with affected car sensors) are largely exempt if not in business contexts, but industries could pass on costs.
• International Relations: Heightens tensions with adversary nations by blocking their tech exports and partnerships, while encouraging alliances with "trusted partners" (to be defined by rulemaking). It promotes domestic innovation but could slow global tech adoption if alternatives lag.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Businesses and Industries: Covered persons like automakers (e.g., using LiDAR in self-driving cars), robotics firms, and infrastructure providers who rely on affordable foreign tech.
• Foreign Adversary Entities: Companies in China (noted for seeking LiDAR dominance) and other listed countries, facing lost U.S. market access and blocked collaborations.
• Government and Regulators: Commerce Department (leads enforcement and waivers), federal agencies, and critical infrastructure operators.
• Researchers and Academia: Benefit from exemptions for testing and study but must ensure compliance.
• Consumers and End-Users: Indirectly affected through potential price hikes in products like vehicles or smart devices, though personal use is not targeted.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Expands Commerce's enforcement tools (e.g., injunctions, penalties) without new courts, emphasizing due process via notices and challenges. "Adversary affiliation termination" requires "clear and convincing evidence" for approvals, allowing judicial review to ensure fairness.
• Constitutional: Balances national security (a core federal power) with commerce rights by including waivers for hardship and exemptions for research/export, avoiding overly broad restrictions that could face First Amendment or due process challenges.
• Political: Signals U.S. concerns over China's tech ambitions, aligning with bipartisan efforts to counter economic espionage. It may spur innovation in allied nations but risks trade disputes or retaliation from adversaries.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-10: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-12-10: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-12-10: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-12-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Stopping Adversaries From Exploiting LiDAR Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (21 pages)