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.

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

Congressional Research Service

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 14, 2006

Requires automobile dealers to disclose to each consumer at the time of purchase of a new automobile, and to include in the automobile's owner's manual, information on: (1) the presence and location of an event data recorder (EDR) in such automobile; and (2) the type of information recorded by the EDR, how such information is recorded, and the possible use of such information in law enforcement proceedings.

Requires the EDR and any data recorded to be considered the property of the vehicle owner. Prohibits the retrieval of EDR data by anyone other than the vehicle owner, 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.

Prohibits persons from manufacturing automobiles for sale in the United States after 2008 (bearing a model year of 2009 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.

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People & committees

Who introduced it

Rep. Bono, Mary [R-CA-45] · R–CA

Committees

Energy and Commerce Committee

2 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Legislative record

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

Jun 23, 2006
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Jun 14, 2006
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Jun 14, 2006
Introduced in House
Jun 14, 2006
Introduced in House

Primary sources

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Introduced in House · Jun 14, 2006 Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Jan 16, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.5609 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.5609, 109th Congress: 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.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/5609

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2006-06-14.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/109/bills/hr5609/BILLS-109hr5609ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-01-16T11:48:07Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Analyze H.R.5609 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.5609 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.5609, 109th Congress: 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.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/5609

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2006-06-14.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/109/bills/hr5609/BILLS-109hr5609ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-01-16T11:48:07Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.5609 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.5609 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.5609, 109th Congress: 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.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/5609

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2006-06-14.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/109/bills/hr5609/BILLS-109hr5609ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-01-16T11:48:07Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.5609 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.5609 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.5609, 109th Congress: 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.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/5609

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2006-06-14.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/109/bills/hr5609/BILLS-109hr5609ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-01-16T11:48:07Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.5609 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.