What does Preamble of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This bill aims to restrict the use of LiDAR technology from foreign adversaries within the United States.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Stopping Adversaries From Exploiting LiDAR Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This section outlines findings related to LiDAR technologies. LiDAR technologies are considered critical for various sectors including autonomous vehicles, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing. The Chinese Communist Party is identified as seeking dominance in LiDAR technologies. Foreign adversary dominance in LiDAR poses a threat to U.S. national security due to potential espionage, technical compromise, and supply chain disruption.

What does PROHIBITION. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This section prohibits transactions involving 'covered foreign adversary light detection and ranging technology' within the United States. The prohibition under subsection (a)(1) generally takes effect three years after the Act's enactment, while the prohibition under subsection (a)(2) for critical infrastructure and federal government entities has different timelines (5 years for existing systems, immediate for new systems). The Secretary of Commerce can grant waivers under subsection (b) based on national interest or undue hardship, or to avoid cessation of critical functions, requiring mitigation agreements. Certain activities are exempt from the prohibitions, including government testing, academic research, and integration into products for export (subsection (c)). The Secretary of Commerce may extend the prohibition's effective date by two years if alternative sources are insufficient, with potential for further 180-day extensions (subsection (d)). The Act clarifies that it does not preclude other limitations on the technology and does not permit expansion of existing contractual arrangements involving prohibited technology (subsection (e)).

What does LIMITATION ON ADVERSARY PARTNERSHIPS. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This section limits agreements between covered persons and companies producing foreign adversary light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. The limitation prohibits manufacturing, licensing, or facilitating the design/production/deployment of LiDAR technology for use in the United States using foreign adversary technology. Research use and export-intended products are exceptions to the limitation. Transactions leading to an adversary affiliation termination event are permitted. Existing agreements established before the Act's enactment are allowed, except those entered into to frustrate the Act's purpose. Agreements entered into within 180 days before enactment are presumed to frustrate the Act's purpose unless proven otherwise.

What does ENFORCEMENT. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This section outlines enforcement mechanisms for violations of the Act. Covered persons violating section 3(a) are subject to civil penalties, not exceeding the amount specified in section 1705 of title 50, United States Code. The Secretary of Commerce can seek injunctive relief to halt violative transactions. Contractual arrangements violating section 4 may be blocked or prohibited. Before enforcement, the Secretary of Commerce must provide a written explanation to the violating party, including details of the violation and proposed penalty, and allow a 30-day petition. This section does not limit other enforcement authorities of the Federal Government.

What does TRANSITION MITIGATION. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This section establishes a program within the Department of Commerce to facilitate compliance with the Act. The program includes outreach to stakeholders, guidance issuance incorporating end-user feedback, and procedures for waiver/clarification requests. The Secretary of Commerce must designate experts in autonomous driving and robotics to review petitions for waivers related to covered foreign adversary light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. The Secretary will issue advisory opinions regarding potential waivers for customers or users impacted by the Act, within 180 days of a request. A National Security Task Force will be established to address national security risks associated with the continued use of covered foreign adversary LiDAR technology. The Task Force will engage with customers and users and share information with the Intelligence Community and law enforcement regarding national security risks.

What does DEFINITIONS. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the legislation. An 'adversary affiliation termination event' refers to a transaction divesting interest in foreign adversary light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and resulting in control by non-foreign adversary entities. The Secretary of Commerce must approve such events, requiring 'clear and convincing evidence' that they eliminate national security threats and ensure control by non-foreign adversaries. A 'covered person' includes entities engaging in commerce related to LiDAR technology, products containing it, or routinely utilizing it in their business. The definition of 'covered person' excludes natural persons using the technology for personal or incidental purposes. ‘Covered foreign adversary light detection and ranging technology’ refers to LiDAR technology developed, distributed, or manufactured by entities associated with designated foreign adversary countries. A 'critical infrastructure operator' is defined by the Secretary of Commerce, referencing section 5195c(e) of title 42, United States Code. The Secretary of Commerce must annually publish a document identifying critical infrastructure sectors for purposes of the Act. The Act designates the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as 'foreign adversary countries'.

What does REPORTING REQUIREMENT. of SAFE LiDAR Act do?

This section establishes a reporting requirement for the Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress, starting one year after the Act's enactment. The report must describe regulatory and enforcement actions taken under the Act. The report must detail any waivers granted, including identifying information about the products and persons involved. The report must address emerging national security threats related to light detection and ranging technology. The report must cover efforts by the People's Republic of China or entities based there to undermine the Act's purpose.

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SAFE LiDAR Act

Last updated: 12/10/2025 · Introduced: 12/10/2025

Author: Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits U.S. transactions involving LiDAR technology from designated foreign adversaries, with varying timelines based on the type of entity and existing systems.
It restricts agreements between U.S. entities and companies producing LiDAR technology associated with foreign adversaries, except for research or export-intended products.
The Secretary of Commerce can grant waivers based on national interest or hardship, but must designate experts to review waivers related to autonomous driving and robotics.
Violations of the Act can result in civil penalties and injunctive relief, with a process for notifying and petitioning against enforcement actions.
The bill establishes a Department of Commerce program to facilitate compliance, including stakeholder outreach, guidance issuance, and a National Security Task Force to address ongoing risks.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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