Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Jan. 3, 2009.

Bill Text
To strengthen the authority of the Federal Government to protect individuals from certain acts and practices in the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers, and for other purposes. 6/13/2007--Reported to House amended, Part I.    (There is 1 other summary) Social Security Number Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make it unlawful for any person, except in certain circumstances, to: (1) intentionally display the Social Security number of another individual on a website generally accessible to the public or providing an individual with access to another individual's Social Security number through the Internet; (2) require an individual who is a customer of or member associated with such person to use the individual's Social Security number as a password for access to any good or service, including any account or protected access [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Protecting Consumer Phone Records Act - Makes it unlawful to: (1) acquire or use customer proprietary network information without written consent; (2) represent that another person has consented in order to acquire such information; (3) obtain unauthorized access to certain systems or records in order to acquire such information; (4) sell or offer for sale such information; or (5) request that another person unlawfully obtain such information. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for a civil forfeiture penalty for violation of this Act. Imposes on IP-enabled voice service providers a duty to protect the confidentiality of specified proprietary information. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each telecommunications carrier [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent the carriage of child pornography by video service providers, to protect children from online predators, and to restrict the sale or purchase of children's personal information in interstate commerce. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue regulations requiring video services to prevent child pornography. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to triple the fines on providers of electronic communication services or remote computing services who knowingly and willfully fail to report child pornography. Requires warning labels for websites depicting sexually explicit material. Deleting Online Predators Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require schools and libraries that receive universal service support to enforce a policy that: (1) prohibits access to a commercial [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to protect the welfare of consumers by prohibiting price gouging by merchants with respect to gasoline or petroleum distillates during certain abnormal market disruptions.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Gasoline Consumer Anti-price-gouging Protection Act - Makes it unlawful for any supplier to increase the price for gasoline or petroleum distillates in an area covered by: (1) an emergency proclamation issued by the President that an abnormal market has or is expected to occur; or (2) a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) emergency order that an abnormal market disruption affecting more than one state has or is expected to occur. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to justifiable increases. Authorizes the President or FTC to issue such proclamations or orders.

Provides: (1) prohibition enforcement through the FTC; and (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the regulations regarding the Do-not-call registry to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

1/10/2007--Introduced.

Freedom from Automated Political Calls Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the importation of prescription drugs, and for other purposes. 1/10/2007--Introduced. Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise provisions governing the importation of prescription drugs. Waives the limitation on importation of prescription drugs that have been exported from the United States. Prohibits the importation of a qualifying drug unless such drug is imported by: (1) a registered importer; or (2) an individual for personal use. Establishes registration conditions for importers and exporters. Requires the Secretary to inspect places of business, verify chains of custody, inspect facilities, and determine compliance with registration conditions. Sets forth provisions governing the importation of qualifying drugs that are different from U.S. label drugs, including standards for judging such differences.[...]

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Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit the import, export, and sale of goods made with sweatshop labor, and for other purposes. 1/23/2007--Introduced. Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the prohibition on importing convict-made goods into the United States to make it unlawful to: (1) import into, or export from, the United States any sweatshop good; or (2) introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in U.S. commerce, any sweatshop good. Grants the President, for reasons of national interest, authority to recommend waiver of the applications set forth in this Act in connection with the goods of any country with respect to one or more of the principles and rights defined in this Act as a core labor standard. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such a waiver. Makes it unlawful for persons to introduce into commerce, sell,[...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the do-not-call telemarketing rules to permit individuals to opt out of receiving certain politically-oriented telephone calls.

1/16/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations to revise the Telemarketing Sales (do-not-call) Rule to prohibit, as an abusive telemarketing act or practice, any politically-oriented telephone calls to persons who, after such regulations are issued, register with the FTC to include their telephone numbers on a "do-not-call" registry established to prohibit such calls.

Latest Action: 05/23/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. With written report No. 110-70. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
A bill to prevent and mitigate identity theft, to ensure privacy, to provide notice of security breaches, and to enhance criminal penalties, law enforcement assistance, and other protections against security breaches, fraudulent access, and misuse of personally identifiable information. 5/23/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2007 - Title I: Enhancing Punishment For Identity Theft And Other Violations Of Data Privacy and Security - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal criminal code to add intentionally accessing a computer without authorization to the definition of racketeering activity. (Sec. 102) Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for intentionally and willfully concealing a security breach involving sensitive personally identifiable information that causes economic damage to one or more persons. Defines "sensitive personally identifiable information"[...]

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Latest Action: 02/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1855-1857)

Bill Text
A bill to reduce the Federal budget deficit, and for other purposes. 2/12/2007--Introduced. Act for Our Kids - Repeals the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to prohibit federal funding of television broadcasting to Cuba. Terminates the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Requires federal agencies to reduce administrative expenses. Eliminates the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization (SLUSH) Fund. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit profiteering and fraud involving a contract or the provision of goods or services in connection with a war or military action. Requires: (1) suspension and debarment of unethical contractors; (2) disclosure by federal agencies, upon request, to the appropriate committee chairman or ranking member of audit reports regarding federal contractors; and (3) public access to information on federal contractor penalties and [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to diminish predatory lending by enhancing appraisal quality and standards, to improve appraisal oversight, to ensure mortgage appraiser independence, to provide for enhanced remedies and enforcement, and for other purposes. 4/15/2008--Introduced. Fair Value and Independent Appraisal Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from extending a mortgage to any consumer without first obtaining a written appraisal of the property to be mortgaged, prepared in accordance with specified requirements. Requires a creditor to provide a copy of each such appraisal to the consumer without charge, at least three days prior to the transaction closing date. Declares unfair or deceptive specified property appraisal practices in the provision of: (1) mortgage lending services for a consumer credit transaction secured by the consumer's principal dwelling; or (2) any mortgage brokerage services for such a transaction. Establishes civil monetary penalties [...]

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Latest Action: 04/08/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2754)

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the Federal Trade Commission, and for other purposes. 4/8/2008--Introduced. Federal Trade Commission Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the powers and duties of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and to improve technology regarding the FTC's competition and consumer protection missions. Authorizes the FTC to directly handle civil actions under the Act or to request the Attorney General do so. Allows the FTC to give appointment preference to administrative judges with antitrust or trade regulation litigation and related economic analysis experience. Permits the FTC to commence a civil action to recover civil penalties in a district court for any violation of the Act. Permits the FTC to enforce the Act against nonprofit organizations. Authorizes the FTC to operate under general federal law rulemaking and judicial review provisions instead of under [...]

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Latest Action: 04/01/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe a rule prohibiting deceptive advertising of abortion services, and for other purposes.

4/1/2008--Introduced.

Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) promulgate rules prohibiting, as unfair and deceptive acts or practices, persons from advertising with the intent to deceptively create the impression that such persons provide abortion services; and (2) enforce violations of such rules as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.

Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for research and enforcement activities of the Federal Trade Commission related to misleading mortgage advertisements.

12/12/2007--Introduced.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out research and enforcement regarding misleading mortgage advertisements, in an amount double the amount spent for such purposes in the previous fiscal year, for the Division of Financial Practices of the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the regulations regarding the do-not-call registry to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

12/5/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.

Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2368-2369)

Bill Text
To amend the Hobby Protection Act to require that imitation Civil War items be clearly marked as copies.

11/8/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Hobby Protection Act to declare as an unlawful, unfair, and deceptive act the manufacture in the United States, or the importation into the United States, for introduction or distribution into commerce of any imitation Civil War item which is not plainly and permanently marked "copy" or "facsimile."

Requires the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules relating to such items that are substantially similar to the rules prescribed by the Commission relating to imitation numismatic items.

Latest Action: 12/17/2007 - The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act to eliminate the automatic removal of telephone numbers registered on the Federal "do-not-call" registry. 12/17/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 - Prohibits having a specific expiration period for numbers in the do-not-call registry of the Telemarketing Sales Rule. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to reinstate the registration of any telephone number that was removed from the registry before enactment of this Act under an FTC rule or practice requiring the removal of a telephone number from the registry five years after its registration. Authorizes the FTC to check telephone numbers listed on the do-not-call registry against national databases periodically and purge numbers that have been disconnected and reassigned. Requires the FTC to report to Congress on FTC efforts taken after enactment of this Act to improve [...]

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Latest Action: 02/15/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-187.

Bill Text
To amend the Do-not-call Implementation Act to eliminate the automatic removal of telephone numbers registered on the Federal "do-not-call" registry.

2/15/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on December 11, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the "Do-Not-Call" Implementation Act to prohibit removing numbers from the do-not-call registry unless: (1) the number is invalid, disconnected, or reassigned; or (2) the individual to whom the number is assigned so requests.

Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to periodically check numbers on the registry and remove invalid, disconnected, or reassigned numbers.

Requires the FTC to report to Congress on the FTC's efforts, after enactment of this Act, to improve the accuracy of the registry.

Latest Action: 12/06/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To include all banking agencies within the existing regulatory authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act with respect to depository institutions, and for other purposes. 12/5/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to transfer to each federal banking agency, with respect to depository institutions it supervises, the authority to prescribe regulations governing unfair or deceptive practices by banks and savings and loan institutions currently vested in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (with respect to banks) and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (with respect to savings and loan institutions). Requires the federal banking agencies to prescribe such regulations: (1) jointly to the extent practicable; and (2) in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Authorizes the FTC, with respect to entities within its jurisdiction, to commence a rulemaking [...]

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Latest Action: 09/24/2007 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To require rapid implementation of guidelines and regulations regarding the accuracy of consumer information furnished to consumer reporting agencies that were required to be established by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 and have not been implemented, to provide that the Federal Trade Commission shall take the lead in implementation of the guidelines and regulations, and for other purposes. 9/14/2007--Introduced. FACT Act Rulewriting Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to confer responsibility upon the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alone to establish accuracy guidelines and prescribe regulations (according to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, or the FACT Act of 2003): (1) for furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies; and (2) about the circumstances under which such a furnisher shall be required to reinvestigate a dispute concerning the accuracy of information in a consumer report, based [...]

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