Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
HR 859 requires manufacturers to clearly state before purchase whether internet-connected consumer devices (like smart speakers or home monitors) contain a camera or microphone. It directly affects device manufacturers, excluding phones, laptops, and dedicated cameras (which consumers reasonably expect to have such features). The Federal Trade Commission enforces this as an unfair/deceptive practice under existing law, with guidance issued within 180 days of enactment. The law applies only to devices made after the FTC issues its guidance, not older models.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Jan 31, 2025
Last action Apr 30, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced in House
→
Engrossed in House
·
1 edit
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Apr 29, 2025
MINOR
The Engrossed version adds a new subsection 3(e) that limits the legal force of Federal Trade Commission guidance issued under the Act. The provision clarifies that guidance cannot create rights for any person, state, or locality, cannot bind the Commission or manufacturers, and cannot serve as the sole basis for an enforcement action or consent order unless the underlying practices also violate section 2. All other changes are formatting only (blank lines and spacing).
ENFORCEMENT
New subsection 3(e) 'Limitation on Commission Guidance' states that FTC guidance under this Act cannot confer rights on any person, state, or locality; cannot bind the Commission or any person to a recommended approach; requires the Commission to allege a specific statutory violation in any enforcement action; and prohibits the Commission from basing an enforcement action or consent order solely on alleged inconsistency with its own guidelines unless section 2 is also violated.
Floor votes · House Apr 29, 2025
How they voted
415–9
Passed · 8 other
Total votes 432
Apr 29, 2025
D
Democratic213
97% Yea
I
Independent1
100% Yea
R
Republican218
94% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Apr 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.
lower
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
lower
Jan 31, 2025
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
lower
Jan 31, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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