Bills · S 294
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 294Agriculture and Food
COOL Online Act
INTRO JAN 29· LAST ACTION JAN 29
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it directly addresses the lack of transparent information often found when shopping online for foreign-made goods. Currently, it can be difficult for consumers to know where a product was manufactured or even where the company selling it is based, which can be a key factor in buying decisions for some.
If this bill becomes law, consumers will have clearer, more consistent information, potentially allowing them to make more informed choices that align with their values, whether those involve supporting specific economies, avoiding products from certain countries, or simply having a better understanding of their purchase. If it doesn't become law, the current situation of varying or absent origin and seller location disclosures online would continue, leaving consumers with less clarity about the source of their products.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires online sellers to conspicuously display the country of origin for new products of foreign origin and the country of the seller's principal place of business.
Provides consumers with clear information about where products are made and where sellers are located, promoting transparency.
PROVISION 02
Excludes certain categories of products from the disclosure requirements, including agricultural products, foods and drugs regulated by the FDA, used articles, and goods listed by small sellers.
Limits the scope of the bill to reduce the regulatory burden on specific industries or very small businesses.
PROVISION 03
Establishes that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce these new disclosure requirements.
Designates a specific government agency to ensure compliance and address any violations of the new rules.
PROVISION 04
Provides a 'safe harbor' for retailers and sellers on online marketplaces who rely in good faith on incorrect information provided by a third-party manufacturer, importer, or supplier, as long as they correct it promptly.
Protects online sellers from liability if they are misled by their suppliers, placing ultimate responsibility on the source of the product.
PROVISION 05
Mandates that the FTC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Agriculture enter into an agreement within 6 months to ensure consistent implementation and provide public guidance.
Ensures different government agencies work together to apply the new rules uniformly and clearly for businesses and the public.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Wisconsin
YRS IN OFFICE
27
BILLS LED
53
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 29
Introduced in Senate
JAN 29
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 294
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 29, 2025
Last actionJan 29, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 29, 2025
Senate BillS 294Agriculture and Food
COOL Online Act
INTRODUCED JAN 29, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 29, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
