Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026

Overview

HR 8730 is a proposed federal bill in the 119th Congress that seeks to prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, resale, or introduction into interstate commerce of connected vehicles and related software and hardware that are associated with foreign adversaries. The bill targets both vehicles and the connected software/hardware ecosystem, aiming to restrict any participation in U.S. markets or supply chains for items connected to countries identified as foreign adversaries.

Purpose and intent

• To safeguard national security and critical infrastructure by preventing the entry and distribution of connected vehicles and associated software/hardware linked to foreign adversaries.
• To disrupt supply chains and reduce potential risks from foreign-linked components in the American automotive ecosystem.
• To align with broader national security objectives regarding controlling foreign influence and influence operations within the technology and transportation sectors.

Key provisions and changes (as proposed)

• Prohibition scope:
  • Forbids importation into the United States of connected vehicles.
  • Prohibits manufacture, sale, resale, or introduction into interstate commerce of such vehicles.
  • Extends to related software and hardware components necessary for the operation or enhancement of connected vehicles.
• Association criterion:
  • Applies to items “associated with foreign adversaries.” The bill would rely on a definition or determinations of what constitutes association with a foreign adversary (e.g., ownership, control, access to data, supply chain links).
• Coverage:
  • Applies to both new and possibly existing products that meet the criteria, though the text as described focuses on prohibitions related to importation and interstate commerce.
• Enforcement and penalties (likely framework):
  • Typically, such bills authorize penalty provisions, civil or criminal penalties, and enforcement mechanisms through relevant federal agencies (e.g., customs, commerce, homeland security). The exact penalties and procedures would be defined in the bill text.

Who/what would be affected

• Connected vehicles and their ecosystems, including:
  • In-vehicle software systems (infotainment, telematics, navigation, OTA updates).
  • Hardware components integral to connected vehicle functionality (modems, sensors, ECUs with connectivity, chips).
  • Downstream products and services that rely on or integrate with these connected vehicle technologies.
• Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of such vehicles and components.
• Potentially affiliates or supply chain partners involved in importing, distributing, or selling these items.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Introduced: May 11, 2026.
• Committee referrals: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be determined by the Speaker.
• Next steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, markup, and potential floor consideration. Depending on amendments and negotiations, it could see further action in the House and potentially Senate, subject to the legislative calendar and Majority priorities.

Potential impacts and considerations

• Security implications: Aims to reduce risk from foreign adversary-linked components in connected vehicles, potentially reducing data exposure and backdoor risks.
• Economic and regulatory impact: Could affect U.S. automakers and suppliers that rely on components or software sourced from or tied to certain foreign entities; may necessitate supply chain diversification or redirection.
• Compliance burden: Entities would need to verify the association of components with foreign adversaries, implement compliance programs, and potentially adjust procurement practices.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and general structure based on the provided information. The exact definitions, exemptions, penaltied, and implementation details would appear in the full bill text.