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H.R. 1015·110th Congress·House Bill

To require automobile dealers to disclose to consumers the presence of event data recorders, or "black boxes", on new automobiles, and to require manufacturers to provide the consumer with the option to enable and disable such devices on future automobiles.

Stage not supplied

The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.

Latest action (14 Feb 2007): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

What this bill does

This bill would require automobile dealers to tell consumers if a new car has an event data recorder, often called a "black box." For cars manufactured after 2009, with a model year of 2010 or later, manufacturers would have to include a feature allowing the consumer to turn this recording device on or off. The bill also states that any data recorded by these devices is the property of the vehicle owner.

Under the proposal, retrieving data from these recorders would be unlawful for anyone other than the owner, except in specific situations. These exceptions include getting the owner's permission, responding to a court order, or when a dealer or technician accesses the data for vehicle servicing. Data can also be used to improve vehicle safety or for medical research, as long as the identity of the owner or driver is kept private. Violations of these rules would be considered unfair or deceptive practices, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

This bill, H.R. 1015, was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2007 and has not advanced beyond its initial introduction. It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.

Official summary

Considers the event data recorder (EDR) and any data recorded to be the property of the vehicle owner. Makes EDR data retrieval by anyone other than the vehicle owner unlawful, except : (1) with the owner's consent; (2) in response to a court order; (3) by a vehicle dealer or an automotive technician for servicing the vehicle; or (4) for improving vehicle safety, provided the identity of the registered owner or driver is not disclosed.

Makes it unlawful to manufacture, sell, or import new automobiles for sale in the United States after 2009 (bearing a model year of 2010 or later) that are equipped with EDRs, unless those EDRs can be disabled by the consumer.

Treats a violation of EDR requirements of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Timeline

  1. 14 Feb 2007

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Common questions

What does H.R. 1015 do?
This bill would require automobile dealers to tell consumers if a new car has an event data recorder, often called a "black box." For cars manufactured after 2009, with a model year of 2010 or later, manufacturers would have to include a feature allowing the consumer to turn this recording device on or off. The bill also states that any data recorded by these devices is the property of the vehicle owner. Under the proposal, retrieving data from these recorders would be unlawful for anyone other than the owner, except in specific situations. These exceptions include getting the owner's permission, responding to a court order, or when a dealer or technician accesses the data for vehicle servicing. Data can also be used to improve vehicle safety or for medical research, as long as the identity of the owner or driver is kept private. Violations of these rules would be considered unfair or deceptive practices, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. This bill, H.R. 1015, was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2007 and has not advanced beyond its initial introduction. It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Has H.R. 1015 become law?
The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1015. Check the latest action and official source below.
Who sponsored H.R. 1015?
H.R. 1015 was sponsored by Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-8] (D-MA), with 0 cosponsors.
What's the latest action on H.R. 1015?
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. (14 Feb 2007).

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Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.