Bills · HR 859
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 859Sound recordingPhotography and imaging
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION APR 30
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because many modern smart devices connect to the internet and can include cameras or microphones, sometimes without consumers fully realizing it. For example, a smart refrigerator might have an internal camera, or a voice-activated assistant might constantly listen for commands.
If this bill becomes law, consumers will gain more transparency, allowing them to better understand the privacy implications of the technology they bring into their homes. Without this law, consumers often have to actively search for information about these features, which can be obscure or easily missed, making it harder to protect their personal privacy. It addresses a growing concern about personal data collection and surveillance in an increasingly connected world.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires manufacturers of certain internet-connected consumer products to clearly and conspicuously disclose the presence of a camera or microphone before a purchase is made.
This is the core of the bill, ensuring consumers are informed about potential recording capabilities in smart devices.
PROVISION 02
Defines a "covered device" as an internet-connected consumer product with a camera or microphone, specifically excluding items like phones, laptops, and devices explicitly marketed as cameras or microphones.
This clarifies which devices are subject to the disclosure requirements, focusing on those where recording features might not be obvious.
PROVISION 03
Assigns enforcement of these disclosure requirements to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
This ensures there is a governmental body responsible for overseeing and penalizing non-compliance, giving the law teeth.
PROVISION 04
Directs the FTC to issue guidance to manufacturers within 180 days of the bill's enactment to help them comply with the disclosure requirements.
This provides clarity and practical advice for companies, helping them understand how to meet the new legal obligations effectively.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Idaho
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
19
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
15 EVENTSAPR 30
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
APR 29
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1710-1711)
APR 29
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)
APR 29
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)
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 859
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Last actionApr 30, 2025
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025
House BillHR 859Sound recordingPhotography and imaging
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 30, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
