U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter, R-Ga., is developing a bill that would ensure that the independent repairer has a seat at the table for the discussion on access to vehicle data.

The bill would create a stakeholder committee at the U.S. Department of Transportation, allowing policymakers to hear from all sides of the automated-vehicle discussion, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Trade Commission would be involved with the committee.

If enacted, Carter’s bill would establish a congressional advisory committee comprised of automotive aftermarket representatives and other affected stakeholders, according to the Automotive Service Association. The committee would be tasked with producing a comprehensive report on vehicle data, intellectual-property protections, customer privacy, cybersecurity, vehicle safety and related issues within two years.

One of the advisory committee’s members would be a representative of the independent repair sector.

“This bill acknowledges the rapidly changing nature of automotive technology and would provide much-needed insight to Congress, as well as federal regulators,” ASA said.

ASA said it supports the bill and encourages all interested parties to visit www.TakingTheHill.com to send a letter in support of Carter’s bill to their member of Congress.