Awning Safety Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Awning Safety Act, which aims to enhance the safety of awnings commonly found in Ohio homes and households across the Nation.

A retractable awning can serve as a valuable source of shade and a gathering spot for family and friends. However, it can pose a significant risk if not properly handled.

This legislation directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish safety standards for fixed and freestanding awnings being typically installed in homes.

My Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues and I learned of the serious risk surrounding the awnings this past August when tragedy struck the family of Olivia Shields, a staff member for the committee at the time. Olivia and her mother are in the gallery as I speak.

Her father, Michael Hnat, was carrying out a routine household task, taking down the retractable awning from the family home.

He was on a ladder when the spring-loaded arm of the awning unexpectedly shot out at him, forcing his ladder to tip and causing him to fall.

Michael suffered a severe spinal cord injury, and despite efforts to save him, he tragically passed away a few days later.

His passing affected his family profoundly and reverberated throughout the communities he touched. Michael was renowned for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness, often going above and beyond to help others in need.

He was a devoted family man, a cherished husband to Jill, and a loving father to their children, Annaliese, Olivia, Abbey, Seamus, Emma, his sons-in-law, and his grandchildren. Michael's untimely death underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of household products like awnings, and by passing this legislation today, we can prevent future tragedies.

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