H.R. 8444 — Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026

This section directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a study to (1) identify safety risks to motor vehicle occupants and first responders from flammability of occupant compartment materials, chemicals and materials used to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 302 (i.e., standard limiting burn rates of interior materials), and associated human health and environmental hazards (particularly for susceptible subpopulations such as infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly); and (2) analyze mitigation methods, including FMVSS No. 302's effectiveness and compliance alternatives. The section requires coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission (as appropriate), a public comment period, and a report on study results to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and publication on the NHTSA website, not later than 30 months after enactment.