21st Century FTC Act
Gives the FTC notice-and-comment rulemaking authority over unfair or deceptive practices and expands civil penalties for violations.
In the House Energy and Commerce Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 11 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Federal law bars unfair or deceptive business practices, and the FTC enforces those protections. The bill would change how the FTC writes rules on those practices and how courts review them. It would also make civil penalties available for violations of the FTC Act in this area.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Changes FTC unfair-practices rulemaking
The bill would give the Federal Trade Commission notice-and-comment rulemaking authority over unfair or deceptive acts or practices and remove special procedures in section 18 of the FTC Act. It would also change the standard for court review of a rule, referring to whether the Commission's action is supported by substantial evidence in the rulemaking record as a whole.
- Expands civil penalties for FTC Act violations
The bill would amend the FTC Act to make civil penalties available for violations of the Act involving unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
The practical stakes are how the FTC can set rules addressing unfair or deceptive practices and what penalties may apply when the FTC Act is violated. The bill would change both the rulemaking process and the consequences businesses could face.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Castor with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Energy and Commerce
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 24, 2026ENERGY & COMMERCE NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 11 daysNo hearing yet
- 11 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 11, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Castor’s record: sponsored 27 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Jan SchakowskyD-IL-9ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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