(a) Manual door release

Subchapter II of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

30130. Manual door release

(a) In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule amending Standard 206 to establish performance and labeling requirements for motor vehicles equipped with an electronic door latch system, including manufacture requirements for—

(1)

a power independent, easy-to-find manual release for each door providing occupant egress, which shall be intuitive to use and readily accessible for the occupant; and

(2)

means for emergency responder access to the occupant compartment when vehicle electrical power is lost.

(b) Compliance date

The compliance date of the revised rule issued under subsection (a) shall be not later than 2 years after the date on which that rule is issued.

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Electronic door latch

The term electronic door latch means a door-locking or door-latching mechanism that relies on electrical power to release or secure a vehicle door.

(2) Manual release

The term manual release means a mechanical device intended for occupant egress that directly disengages the door latch without electrical power.

(3) Standard 206

The term Standard 206 means Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 206, contained in section 571.206 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) Clerical amendment

The table of sections for subchapter II of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: