The American Fence Association (AFA) is pleased to announce the introduction of the Alex Gate Safety Act, a bipartisan federal initiative aimed at improving gate safety standards across the United States. U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) and John Curtis (R-UT-03) introduced the legislation, which seeks to prevent accidents caused by poorly designed, inadequately maintained, or faulty gates.
This legislation, developed in collaboration with the Hummingbird Alliance, represents the culmination of months of dedicated effort by industry professionals and advocates. The bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish mandatory safety rules and launch an awareness campaign to ensure gates meet modernized industry safety standards.
The Act is named in memory of Alex Quanbeck, a seven-year-old boy who tragically lost his life after being crushed by a falling gate during recess at school. His death highlights the urgent need for updated standards to prevent similar incidents.
Congressional Support for Gate Safety
“The same gates designed to protect our children can pose serious, often overlooked risks,” said Representative Huffman. “Our community suffered an unimaginable loss when young Alex Quanbeck died in what could have been a preventable accident. A simple, cost-effective safety feature would have saved his life. This legislation addresses these hazards by implementing updated safety standards that protect all of us in schools, workplaces, homes, and public spaces.”
“Tragic incidents like the deaths of Alex Quanbeck and Esther Nakajjigo underscore the need for robust gate safety measures,” said Representative Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation incorporates straightforward, affordable mechanisms, such as fall stop posts, to prevent future tragedies. Partnering with Congressman Huffman and industry stakeholders, we are committed to enacting meaningful safety reforms that will save lives and spare families from needless heartbreak.”
Industry and Advocacy Group Endorsements
Michael Reed, Executive Director of the American Fence Association, emphasized the industry’s commitment:
“The AFA, in partnership with the Hummingbird Alliance, is proud to champion gate safety reforms. Alex Quanbeck’s story galvanized our community to act. Building on nearly two decades of automated gate safety standards, our industry is uniting once more to enhance safety measures. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Huffman and Curtis for their leadership on this life-saving legislation, which benefits all Americans.”
Eric and Dayna Quanbeck, Alex’s parents and founders of the Hummingbird Alliance, shared their perspective:
“No family should endure the loss of a loved one due to a preventable accident. This legislation ensures that simple, affordable safety measures are implemented to prevent tragedies like Alex’s. We commend Representatives Huffman and Curtis for advancing this commonsense, bipartisan effort to improve gate safety standards nationwide.”
Ben Shirley, Chair of the ASTM F14 Committee on Fences, highlighted the importance of collaboration:
“Our industry committed to reevaluating safety standards, and we successfully updated manual gate specifications to address critical safety concerns. What may seem like minor adjustments to technical language can have a profound impact, ensuring greater safety across the industry.”
Dave Monsour, Technical Director of the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), reflected on the legislative process:
“DASMA is honored to contribute to this essential initiative in collaboration with the Hummingbird Alliance. The proposed regulations represent a thoughtful, balanced approach developed with input from diverse industry professionals. These measures promise to significantly enhance gate safety for years to come.”
For further information, please contact:
Catherine Mills-Reynolds
Director, Government Relations and Industry Standards
Email: catherine@americanfenceassociation.com
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