United StatesFTC could bring its own cases to seek civil penalties
The proposal would let the Federal Trade Commission bring its own court cases to seek civil penalties under laws it enforces.
What it does
The Federal Trade Commission could bring court cases itself to seek civil penalties. This authority would apply to penalties allowed under any law the agency enforces.
Argument forDirect authority could help the Commission pursue civil penalties more promptly by letting it bring the court case itself.
Argument againstLetting the same agency enforce a law and bring penalty cases could reduce outside checks on whether litigation should proceed.
More detail
The Federal Trade Commission would be allowed to bring civil penalty cases on its own. The authority would cover civil penalties allowed under any law the Commission enforces.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 1Introduced in HouseLatest
- Oct 1Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.Introduced
Government & EthicsConsumer ProtectionPublic Safety