H.R.1767 - Awning Safety Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1767, the Awning Safety Act of 2025, directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a mandatory consumer product safety standard for retractable awnings. This standard aims to protect against death or serious injury related to hazards associated with these awnings, specifically addressing the risk of unexpected opening while removing tie-downs. The CPSC is required to define the scope of retractable awning devices covered by the standard within 18 months of the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be the creation of a new safety standard for retractable awnings, potentially leading to design changes and improved safety features. Manufacturers will need to comply with the new standard, which could increase production costs. Consumers should benefit from safer awnings and reduced risk of injury.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of injury from retractable awnings.
- Increased consumer confidence in the safety of these products.
- Clearer safety standards for manufacturers to follow.
- Potential for innovation in awning design to meet safety requirements.
- Enhanced public awareness of awning-related hazards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for manufacturers to comply with new safety standards, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
- Possible delays in the availability of new awning models as manufacturers adapt to the new regulations.
- Potential for the CPSC's interpretation of the scope to be overly broad or narrow, impacting the market.
- The 18-month timeframe for implementation may be too short for some manufacturers.
- Possible legal challenges to the standard if it is perceived as arbitrary or capricious.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By establishing safety standards for products sold across state lines, the Awning Safety Act falls under this purview. Additionally, the Act does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).