H.R.859 — Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
House Roll Call
H.R.859
| Bill | H.R.859 — Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass |
| Vote type | 2/3 Yea-And-Nay |
| Result | Passed |
| Totals | Yea 415 / Nay 9 / Present 0 / Not Voting 8 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 208 | 9 | 0 | 2 |
| D | 207 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Bill Analysis
Bill Summary: HR 859 - Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act (HR 859) aims to enhance consumer awareness regarding the data collection practices of smart devices. The bill mandates that manufacturers of smart devices, such as smart speakers, home assistants, and other Internet of Things (IoT) products, provide clear and accessible information about their data collection, usage, and sharing practices.
Key Provisions:
- Disclosure Requirements: Manufacturers must include a notice with their products detailing what types of data are collected, how that data is used, and with whom it may be shared. This disclosure must be presented in a clear and understandable format, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions before purchasing smart devices.
- Consumer Education: The bill encourages the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop educational materials that help consumers understand the implications of using smart devices, including potential privacy risks.
Funding and Authorities: The bill does not specify a direct funding mechanism; however, it authorizes the FTC to enforce compliance with the new disclosure requirements. The FTC is tasked with developing regulations and guidelines to implement the provisions of the bill effectively.
Affected Programs and Agencies: The primary agency impacted by this legislation is the Federal Trade Commission, which will oversee compliance and enforcement. Additionally, the bill affects manufacturers and retailers of smart devices, as they will need to adapt their practices to meet the new disclosure standards.
Beneficiaries and Regulatory Impact: Consumers will benefit from increased transparency regarding the data practices of smart devices, enabling them to make more informed choices. The bill also aims to hold manufacturers accountable for their data practices, thereby enhancing consumer privacy protections.
Key Timelines: As of the latest action, HR 859 has been received in the Senate, read twice, and is currently placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders as Calendar No. 64, indicating it is awaiting further consideration.
Yea (415)
K
Ken Calvert
J
Jason Crow
L
Lloyd Doggett
S
Scott Franklin
J
John Garamendi
M
Mark Green
J
John Mannion
L
Lucy McBath
L
Lisa McClain
J
John Rutherford
D
David Schweikert
P
Pete Sessions
E
Eric Swalwell
R
Rashida Tlaib
N
Nydia Velázquez
D
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
