Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced Section 4209 to the S. 1732 bill. Photo via Wikimedia.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced Section 4209 to the S. 1732 bill. Photo via Wikimedia.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee did not approve Section 4209, an amendment for rental recalls in the S. 1732 bill: Comprehensive Transportation and Consumer Protection Act of 2015, according to a press statement from the committee.

Introduced by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Section 4209 would have allowed car rental companies to rent recalled vehicles that haven’t been repaired. The amendment said that rental car companies must tell renters about the recall notices — if they don’t anticipate fixing the cars first.

Instead, the committee voted to require car rental companies to “ground” (take out of rental service) vehicles subject to a federal safety recall until repairs are made.

The modification resulted from an amendment presented by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). “The Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act” is also supported by the American Car Rental Association (ACRA), the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS), AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety as well as several other consumer safety advocates.

The committee did approve the overall bill (S. 1732) with a 13-11 vote. The bill sets policy for automotive, trucking and rail regulators.

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