7 On Your Side: Auto safety bills discussed in Congress

The "Hot Cars Act" would install detectors inside cars in case a child sneaks into an unlocked car, or an adult driver forgets they have a child in the backseat.

The “Park It Act” would stop cars with keyless entry systems from constantly running in an attempt to stop carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in homes.

Susan Livington’s parents, James and Sherry, died this May when they didn't realize their keyless entry car remained running in their garage.

They both died of carbon monoxide poisoning in their beds.

“These were very preventable deaths and they really died from the indifference of the auto industry that has not voluntarily put in these safety measures,” said Susan Livingston.

Those deaths happened in Congressman Seth Moulton's Massachusetts district. He pushed the "Park It Act" in response.

“What the bill would do specifically is if the car is in park and it's been left on, it will automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. It's a very simple piece of technology. Less than five dollars,” said Rep. Moulton.

Parents and advocates with KidsInCars.Org also lobbied members of Congress to push for the "Hot Cars Act." 21 children have died from heatstroke in cars so far this year.

The mandated safety technology would go above what GMC and Buick models currently offer. 7 On Your Side highlighted those rear door detector systems in a report last week.

“Look, we have so many bells and whistles in our cars right now. Really, to add this one piece of technology to make sure we save lives is an easy fix,” said bill sponsor Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).

The Auto Alliance industry trade group says it is looking at the bills mandating new safety systems - but emphasizes consumer education campaigns over new technologies. In response to the “Park It Act,” spokesperson Wade Newton wrote: “Current keyless ignition system designs generally follow the recommended practices of the Society of Automotive Engineers, addressing operating logic, indication of vehicle ignition/control status and the physical control characteristics of keyless ignition systems. SAE recommendations also focus on uniform labeling to help provide consumers with a better understanding of how keyless systems function.”

Even if Congress passes either the Hot Cars or Park It Acts, it could still take years for federal regulators to force change. 7 On Your Side pointed out in April how only a few new vehicle models have rear seat belt reminders despite a law passing in 2012.