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The House passed the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, which requires manufacturers to disclose if internet-connected devices have built-in cameras or microphones. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The House voted on the "Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act" (H.R. 859). This bill requires companies to clearly tell customers if a smart device—such as a refrigerator, smart speaker, or other household gadget—contains a camera or microphone before they buy it. It aims to protect consumer privacy by ensuring people are informed about recording capabilities in devices where such features might not be obvious. This was a vote under a procedure called "suspension of the rules." In Congress, this is a fast-track method used for bills that have broad support. Because it skips some of the usual debating steps, it requires a higher standard to pass: two-thirds of the members present must vote "yes" instead of a simple majority. The bill passed easily with a vote of 415 to 9, showing strong agreement between both Republicans and Democrats. Having passed the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate also passes it and the President signs it, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will begin enforcing these new disclosure rules for all covered devices manufactured after a transition period.
The bill moves to the Senate, where it has been placed on the legislative calendar for future consideration.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. It addresses privacy concerns regarding recording devices in everyday household appliances that are increasingly connected to the internet, ensuring consumers aren't monitored without their knowledge.
Who’s affected. Consumers: Will receive clearer warnings before buying devices that can record audio or video in their homes. · Device Manufacturers: Must update packaging and marketing materials to include specific privacy disclosures for non-obvious recording hardware. · Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Gains new enforcement authority to penalize companies that fail to disclose recording hardware as a deceptive business practice.
Democrats. Nearly all voting Democrats supported the bill, with zero members voting against it.
Republicans. The vast majority of Republicans supported the bill, though a small group of nine members opposed it.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Apr 29, 2025
The House passed the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, which requires manufacturers to disclose if internet-connected devices have built-in cameras or microphones.
The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Suspension of the rules is a shortcut used for non-controversial bills to bypass lengthy debate and amendments. To prevent the majority from abusing this shortcut, it requires a two-thirds supermajority to pass rather than a simple majority.
The bill moves to the Senate, where it has been placed on the legislative calendar for future consideration.
It addresses privacy concerns regarding recording devices in everyday household appliances that are increasingly connected to the internet, ensuring consumers aren't monitored without their knowledge.
Both parties overwhelmingly supported the measure, which is typical for bills brought up under suspension of the rules.
Nearly all voting Democrats supported the bill, with zero members voting against it.
The vast majority of Republicans supported the bill, though a small group of nine members opposed it.
The single independent member present voted in favor of the bill.