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Bill

HR 973

MEMORIAL-RISE D. JONES, PH.D.

103rd Regular Session Introduced by Anna Moeller

Directs the CPSC to issue a final safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices (bikes, scooters) to reduce fires, explosions, and toxic releases.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 973

Summary — H.R. 973: Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium‑Ion Batteries Act

Status: Passed House (suspension), received in Senate Apr 29, 2025
Introduced: Feb 4, 2025 (Rep. Ritchie Torres) — Reported favorably by House Energy & Commerce (H. Rept. 119‑77)

Purpose

Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a consumer product safety standard to protect consumers and property from the risk of fires (and related explosions or toxic releases) caused by rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries used in micromobility devices (for example, electric bicycles and scooters).

Key provisions

  • Requires the CPSC to develop and issue a final consumer product safety standard specifically addressing rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries in micromobility devices.
  • Leaves technical details (testing, certification, labeling, manufacturing or design requirements) to be determined through the CPSC’s rulemaking process; the bill creates the statutory directive for the agency to act but does not specify prescriptive technical requirements in the text reported.

Background and rationale

  • Lithium‑ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics and micromobility devices; when defective, damaged, overcharged, or poorly manufactured they can ignite, explode, and emit toxic gases.
  • The report notes there is no existing federal safety standard specifically for these batteries and many uncertified/untested batteries are commercially available.
  • Fire safety data cited in the committee report: Fire Department of New York (2019–2023) reported more than 400 lithium‑ion battery fires, about 300 injuries, and 12 deaths in New York City.
  • Consumer advocates and fire professionals have urged federal standards to reduce these risks.

Who is affected

  • CPSC: required to undertake rulemaking and issue a standard.
  • Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries and micromobility devices: likely subject to any resulting safety, testing, certification, or labeling requirements.
  • Consumers and communities: intended beneficiaries through reduced fire and injury risk; urban areas noted as particularly at risk due to density.

Procedural and budgetary notes

  • Referred to House Energy & Commerce; reported favorably without amendment (H. Rept. 119‑77) and ordered reported by voice vote (Apr 8, 2025).
  • Passed the House under suspension of the rules (Apr 28, 2025; Roll No. 103 — 365 yeas, 42 nays) and received in the Senate Apr 29, 2025.
  • Committee found the bill would result in no new or increased budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax expenditures; a CBO cost estimate was not available at the time of the report.
  • The scope, timing, and specific obligations will depend on the CPSC’s subsequent rulemaking (notice-and-comment process and final rule issuance).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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