Bill Summary
The "Awning Safety Act of 2025" is a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing consumer safety regarding retractable awnings. It mandates the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a mandatory safety standard for these products within 18 months of the Act's enactment. The standard is intended to mitigate risks of death or serious injury associated with retractable awnings, particularly the danger of an awning unexpectedly opening and striking individuals while they are removing the bungee tie-downs. The CPSC is also tasked with identifying specific types of retractable awning devices that will fall under this safety standard. This Act treats the newly established safety standard as equivalent to existing consumer product safety rules, ensuring regulatory consistency and enforcement.
Possible Impacts
The "Awning Safety Act of 2025" could have several effects on individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Safety for Consumers**: The establishment of a mandatory consumer product safety standard for retractable awnings is likely to reduce the risk of accidents. Consumers who purchase and use these awnings will benefit from enhanced safety features, minimizing the chances of injuries caused by awnings unexpectedly opening or collapsing. This could lead to greater peace of mind for families using retractable awnings in their homes or businesses.
2. **Impact on Manufacturers and Retailers**: Manufacturers of retractable awnings will need to comply with the new safety standards, which may require adjustments to their designs, production processes, or materials used. This could result in increased manufacturing costs and could also necessitate additional testing and certification processes. Retailers may need to ensure that they are selling compliant products, which could lead to a shift in inventory and potentially higher prices for consumers.
3. **Consumer Awareness and Education**: The Act may lead to increased awareness about the risks associated with retractable awnings among consumers. As a result, education campaigns may be initiated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or other organizations to inform the public about the proper use and maintenance of retractable awnings. This could empower consumers to make safer choices and understand how to properly secure and operate their awnings, further reducing the likelihood of accidents.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1767 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1767
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 24, 2025
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a
mandatory consumer product safety standard with respect to retractable
awnings.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Awning Safety Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY STANDARD FOR RETRACTABLE AWNINGS.
(a) Consumer Product Safety Standard Required.--Not later than 18
months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission shall promulgate, under section 553 of title
5, United States Code, a final consumer product safety standard for
fixed and freestanding retractable awnings within the jurisdiction of
the Commission to protect against the risk of death or serious injury
related to the hazards associated with such awnings, including the risk
of death or serious injury related to the awning unexpectedly opening
and striking a person while removing the bungee tie-downs for the cover
of the awning.
(b) CPSC Determination of Scope.--The Consumer Product Safety
Commission shall specify the types of retractable awning devices within
the jurisdiction of the Commission that are within the scope of
subsection (a) as part of a standard promulgated under this section, as
reasonably necessary to protect against hazards associated with
retractable awnings.
(c) Treatment of Standard.--A consumer product safety standard
promulgated under subsection (a) shall be treated as a consumer product
safety rule promulgated under sections 7 and 9 of the Consumer Product
Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056 and 2058).
Passed the House of Representatives June 23, 2025.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.