Awning Safety Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Troy Balderson and 1 co-sponsor

The Awning Safety Act of 2025 mandates safety standards for retractable awnings, protecting consumers from hazards linked to motorized awning incidents and injuries.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Purpose and Intent

The Awning Safety Act of 2025 (HR 1767) aims to enhance consumer safety by requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a mandatory safety standard for retractable awnings. This legislation responds to safety concerns associated with motorized awnings, which have been linked to serious hazards, including injuries and fatalities.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Safety Standard: The bill mandates the CPSC to create a consumer product safety standard specifically for retractable awnings.

Addressing Hazards: The legislation is a direct response to incidents involving motorized awnings, particularly a recall of approximately 270,000 units due to safety risks. These risks include unexpected openings that can lead to falls or injuries.

No Existing Standards: Currently, there are no voluntary safety standards for motorized awnings, making this legislation crucial for consumer protection.

Background and Need for Legislation

The need for this legislation arose from a 2019 recall involving motorized awnings that had reported 14 incidents, including one death and six injuries. The death involved a 73-year-old man who fell while handling a motorized awning that opened unexpectedly.

The absence of a safety standard has left consumers vulnerable to similar incidents, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory oversight.

Affected Parties

Consumers: Homeowners and businesses that use retractable awnings will benefit from enhanced safety measures.

Manufacturers: Companies producing retractable awnings will need to comply with the new safety standards, potentially leading to increased production costs but also improved product safety.

Legislative Process and Timeline

Introduced: March 3, 2025

House Actions:

The bill was reported favorably by the Committee on Energy and Commerce on June 12, 2025.
It passed the House on June 23, 2025, after a voice vote.

Senate Actions:

The bill was received in the Senate on June 24, 2025, where it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Conclusion

The Awning Safety Act of 2025 represents a significant step toward improving consumer safety regarding retractable awnings. By establishing mandatory safety standards, the legislation aims to prevent accidents and protect the public from the hazards associated with these products. The bill has successfully passed the House and is currently under consideration in the Senate.

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