zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Food and Product Responsibility Act of 2007 - Applies this Act to replacement equipment, food, drugs, devices, cosmetics, biological products, consumer products, meat or meat food product, poultry or poultry products, and eggs or egg products (covered products). Prohibits a manufacturer from distributing a covered product unless the manufacturer holds a certification from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the manufacturer possesses sufficient means (through insurance or otherwise) to cover the entire cost of a recall of the product, including administrative costs, compensatory damages, and costs of any product liability or other lawsuit relating to that product.Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act (regarding meat and meat food products), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (regarding poultry and poultry products), the Egg Products Inspection Act (regarding eggs and egg products), and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) (regarding food) to provide for voluntary and mandatory recalls of adulterated or misbranded articles, notice to consumers and health officials, and related procedures.

Date: 2007-09-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect a user fee from each manufacturer of a food, drug, device, biological product, or animal drug for which a followup reinspection is required to ensure correction of a violation of a Good Manufacturing Practices requirement under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act found by the Secretary during the initial inspection of the manufacturer.

Date: 2007-10-18
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Health
International and Domestic Product Safety Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of International and Domestic Product Safety to oversee and coordinate international and domestic consumer product safety responsibilities in a way that protects the health and safety of U.S. consumers and ensures that consumers and businesses have access to consumer product safety information. Establishes a Product Safety Coordinating Council to assist the Office's director.

Date: 2007-10-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Children's Chemical Risk Reduction Act of 2007 - Requires any children's product or child care article that contains a phthalate to be treated as a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Applies certain prohibitions of that Act to such product article. Provides that, if a manufacturer modifies a children's product or child care article that contains a phthalate to comply with such ban, it shall: (1) use an alternative to phthalates that is the least toxic; and (2) not use any of specified prohibited alternatives to phthalates.

Date: 2007-10-31
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number (wireless number) of any subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Requires a provider to remove the wireless number of any subscriber from a WDAS upon request of that subscriber and without subscriber cost. Provides limited circumstances under which a provider may connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber. Prohibits a telecommunications carrier from disclosing in billing information provided to customers wireless numbers of subscribers who have indicated a preference to their provider for not having their wireless number disclosed. Prohibits a provider from publishing (listing) in any form, selling, or otherwise distributing the contents of any WDAS database unless the provider: (1) notifies the subscriber of the right not to be listed; and (2) obtains express prior authorization for listing from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Prohibits a provider from charging a subscriber for the exercise of any rights under this Act. Prohibits selling, marketing for sale, or otherwise disseminating the wireless telephone information of any individual, or any directory or other list of such information of individuals, unless each such individual provides written express prior authorization. Preempts inconsistent state or local laws.

Date: 2007-12-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Anti-Phishing Consumer Protection Act of 2008 or the APCPA - Makes it unlawful for a person to fraudulently: (1) solicit identifying information from a protected computer; (2) use a domain name in violation of the Trademark Act of 1946; (3) use a domain name in an electronic mail message, an instant message, or on a Web page; or (4) register a domain name in any domain name registration authority. Makes it unlawful for a domain name authority to replace or materially alter the contents of, or restrict access to, any domain name registrant's name or other identifying information in any domain name registration authority database if the authority has received written notice that the use of such domain name is in violation of any provision of this Act. Authorizes civil actions by state officials (except during the pendency of a federal action), interactive computer services, and trademark owners. Provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and certain other agencies. Provides for fines and/or imprisonment for violators. Preempts inconsistent state laws, but allows state laws that provide greater protection.

Date: 2008-02-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
CPSC Reform Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act and for other purposes. Creates or modifies provisions relating to personnel and Commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), public disclosure of information, and rulemaking procedures. Requires third party certification of, and provides for tracking and record keeping regarding, children's products. Modifies provisions relating reporting of substantial product hazards and corrective action plans. Requires manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and importers to identify each other. Modifies provisions relating to prohibited acts, penalties, preemption, and sharing of information with federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies. Requires certain manufacturers or distributors to post an escrow or proof of insurance to cover recalls. Allows enforcement by state attorneys general and provides public and private sector whistleblower protections. Bans children's products containing lead and lowers the allowable lead content in paint. Requires a study of preventable injuries and deaths of minority children related to consumer products. Requires a cost-benefit analysis under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. Imposes or modifies requirements regarding portable gasoline containers, toy safety, all-terrain vehicles, garage door openers, carbon monoxide, cigarette lighters, and consumer product registration forms. Requires development of a risk assessment methodology regarding imports. Requires publication of a list of product defects that constitute a substantial product hazard. Conditions importation of a consumer product on the manufacturer's compliance with certain inspection and record keeping requirements. Requires a database on violations of consumer product safety rules to be used to determine whether a container being imported contains consumer products that are in violation of a consumer product safety standard and whether action should be taken under imported products provisions.

Date: 2008-02-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Financial Literacy Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award formula matching grants to states or partnerships between states and experienced nonprofit providers of financial literacy or personal finance education programs. Requires grantees to use 25% of the grant funds to: (1) develop financial literacy standards and assessments for at least three grade levels; (2) create teacher training programs to embed financial literacy or personal finance education into core academic subjects; and (3) evaluate the impact such education has on students' financial literacy. Requires the remaining grant funds to be used for subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and community organizations, local businesses, or other educational entities to implement such financial literacy activities, including student assessments and teacher training. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) or partnerships between IHEs and experienced nonprofit providers of financial literacy or personal finance education programs for activities that increase student knowledge in consumer, economic, and personal financial concepts.

Date: 2008-02-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Education
Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) promulgate rules prohibiting, as unfair and deceptive acts or practices, persons from advertising with the intent to deceptively create the impression that such persons provide abortion services; and (2) enforce violations of such rules as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.

Date: 2008-04-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Illegal Garnishment Prevention Act - Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Secretary of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Social Security for FY2009 from being used to promote or otherwise encourage recipients of benefits paid under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to use direct deposit for the payment of such benefits until: (1) the Secretary promulgates rules establishing procedures to ensure that such benefits are protected from attachment and garnishment; and (2) at least five of the seven members of the advisory committee established under this Act concur in advising the Secretary that such procedures provide adequate safeguards.Establishes a Social Security Benefits Protection from Attachment or Garnishment Advisory Committee.

Date: 2008-04-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Social welfare
Fair Value and Independent Appraisal Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from extending a mortgage to any consumer without first obtaining a written appraisal of the property to be mortgaged, prepared in accordance with specified requirements. Requires a creditor to provide a copy of each such appraisal to the consumer without charge, at least three days prior to the transaction closing date. Declares unfair or deceptive specified property appraisal practices in the provision of: (1) mortgage lending services for a consumer credit transaction secured by the consumer's principal dwelling; or (2) any mortgage brokerage services for such a transaction. Establishes civil monetary penalties for such practices. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Trade Commission to jointly prescribe regulations defining such unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

Date: 2008-04-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Safeguarding Social Security Numbers Act of 2008 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to issue uniform standards for the method for truncation of Social Security account numbers in order to facilitate their protection from use in fraud or identity theft. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the display of Social Security account numbers to the general public on the Internet by state and local governments, except in compliance with such truncation standards. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to state and local governments to come into compliance with such prohibition or the exception to it.

Date: 2008-04-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Social welfare
American Energy Production Act of 2008 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permit projected lines of states adjacent to the subsoil and seabed of the outer Continental Shelf to be used for oil and gas preleasing and leasing activities. Authorizes the governor of a state with a new producing area within the offshore administrative boundaries beyond the submerged land of the state to petition the Secretary of Energy to make new producing areas available for oil and gas leasing. Sets forth a lease sales program for oil and gas development within the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Prescribes environmental protection procedures for the Coastal Plain. Requires Alaska to establish in its state treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to assist designated Alaska entities impacted by the oil and gas exploration and production. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under this Act. Prescribes a refinery permitting process. Suspends petroleum acquisition for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Amends the Clean Air Act to include renewable biomass within its purview.Sets forth an advanced battery manufacturing incentive program. Instructs the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Research and Development of the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a research and development program for adding materials to biofuels to make them more compatible with infrastructure used to store and deliver petroleum-based fuels. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to study and report to Congress on: (1) the feasibility of increasing consumption in the United States of ethanol-blended gasoline with specified levels of ethanol; and (2) specified diesel vehicle attributes. Clean Coal-Derived Fuels for Energy Security Act of 2008 - Directs the President to promulgate regulations to ensure that covered fuel introduced into commerce in the United States on an annual average basis contains a specified volume and percentage of clean coal-derived fuel. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the prohibition against final regulations for commercial oil shale leasing program on public land.Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the prohibition against federal agency contracts for procurement of alternative or synthetic fuel. Authorizes the Department of Defense to enter into multiyear contracts to purchase synthetic fuels.

Date: 2008-05-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to reduce temporarily the duty on certain isotopic separation machinery and apparatus, and parts thereof, for use in the construction of an isotopic separation facility in southern New Mexico.

Date: 2008-05-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act of 2008 - Treats certain novelty lighters as banned hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and applies to them the Act's prohibitions (in effect banning their introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce).

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2008 - Amends the Fur Products Labeling Act to: (1) eliminate the exemption to fur labeling requirements for products containing relatively small amounts of fur; and (2) permit states to enforce more restrictive labeling requirements. Directs the the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in the Fur Products Name Guide, to replace the term "Raccoon, Asiatic" with "Dog, Raccoon."

Date: 2008-09-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to publish the American National Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms (American National Standard ANSI/UL 2034-2005) as a mandatory consumer product safety standard. Makes it unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor to import into or distribute any new assembled or unassembled residential carbon monoxide detector unless it complies with the standard. Requires the CPSC to promulgate consumer product safety rules requiring, at a minimum, that every portable generator sold to the public for purposes other than resale shall be equipped with an interlock safety device that: (1) detects the level of carbon monoxide in the areas surrounding such portable generator; and (2) automatically turns off the portable generator before the level of carbon monoxide reaches a level that would cause serious bodily injury or death to people. Requires the CPSC to establish a grant program to provide assistance to states to carry out a carbon monoxide alarm program.

Date: 2008-10-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Camera Phone Predator Alert Act - Requires any mobile phone containing a digital camera to sound a tone whenever a photograph is taken with the camera's phone. Prohibits such a phone from being equipped with a means of disabling or silencing the tone. Treats the requirement as a consumer product safety standard and requires enforcement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Date: 2009-01-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Safe Access in Fire Emergencies Act of 2009 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a consumer product safety standard for window bars that: (1) requires all window bars manufactured or installed in the United States to incorporate releasing systems that meet minimum standards; and (2) addresses such systems for interior and exterior based bars. Provides that the minimum standards shall require that such systems provide for: (1) egress when actuated; and (2) manual activation from inside a residence allowing escape through a protected opening. Requires compliance enforcement under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Directs the CPSC to require each manufacturer to include in the packaging a statement explaining window bar installation and releasing system operation. Expresses the sense of Congress that public housing, low-income housing, manufactured housing units, and homes purchased using any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under the National Housing Act should meet a minimal standard that requires window bars to incorporate an emergency releasing system. Requires the CPSC to establish and maintain a National Electronic Injury Surveillance System code and system for collection of information and statistics on casualties associated with window bars.

Date: 2009-01-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Notify Americans Before Outsourcing Personal Information Act - Prohibits a business from transferring personally identifiable information of a U.S. citizen to any foreign affiliate or subcontractor in another country without providing notice to such citizen that the information may be transferred to such affiliate or subcontractor. Authorizes a private cause of action in a state court to enforce compliance with this Act.

Date: 2009-01-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Protection From Telemarketers Act - Amends the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to include in rules respecting abusive telemarketing acts or practices a requirement that telemarketers not initiate any outbound telephone calls during the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. in the locality of the person called.

Date: 2009-01-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Consumer Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to treat as an unfair and deceptive trade act or practice under federal or state law any written provision in a consumer transaction or contract which requires binding arbitration to resolve a controversy arising out of or related to the transaction or contract, or the failure to perform any part. Declares such a provision unenforceable. Permits a written agreement to determine an existing controversy by binding arbitration if the parties agree after the controversy has arisen.

Date: 2009-02-11
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Thrift Store Protection Act - Allows, for two years after enactment of this Act, a secondhand reseller to sell, offer for sale, or distribute specified used products that are treated as a banned hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act: (1) because of the application of provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 relating to lead in children's products or paint; or (2) because the products lack a label required by specified provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Defines "specified used product" as an article of clothing, a textile, shoes, or a book that, when sold or offered, has previously been purchased for use by a consumer. Defines "secondhand seller" as: (1) a consignment shop, thrift shop, or similar enterprise; (2) an individual who uses the Internet, a yard sale, or other casual means of selling; or (3) a person who sells at an auction for the benefit of a nonprofit organization.

Date: 2009-02-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Children's Product Safety Enhancement and Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to exempt a children's product made solely out of fabric from provisions limiting the amount of lead in children's products. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in implementing those lead limits with regard to a small business, a person who sells used goods, or a charity to: (1) work cooperatively with the entity; (2) take into account economic, administrative, or other limits on the entity's compliance ability; and (3) construe those provisions favorably to the entity. Exempts a children's product made solely out of fabric from provisions requiring a manufacturer to certify, based on third party testing, that the product complies with an applicable children's product safety rule before importing, warehousing, or distributing the product.

Date: 2009-02-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Prohibits, under the Consumer Product Safety Act, the manufacture, sale, distribution, importation, or installation of a residential kitchen range or oven which does not include a device which complies with a consensus product safety standard intended to prevent product tipping. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to conduct a campaign to educate consumers about range and oven tipping danger and the importance of installing such products in accordance with an applicable consensus product safety standard.

Date: 2009-02-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year depreciable property. Makes this Act applicable to property placed in service after April 11, 2003.

Date: 2009-02-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) to provide at least four hours of financial literacy counseling to each student borrower: (1) under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, at or prior to their receipt of such loan; and (2) under the FFEL, Direct Loan, or Perkins Loans programs, during their enrollment at the IHE or when their studies end. Requires such counseling to include information on: (1) banking; (2) budgeting; (3) credit cards and ratings; (4) loans, grants, education tax credits, and scholarships; (5) renting and housing; and (6) investing. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage IHEs to perform these duties using interactive programs that test each borrower's understanding of the financial literacy information they receive.

Date: 2009-03-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Education
Medical Device Safety Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit specified provisions preempting state and local requirements for medical devices intended for human use from being construed to modify or otherwise affect any action for damages or the liability of any person under state law. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 and applicable to any civil action pending or filed on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

Date: 2009-03-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Health
Federal Reserve Sunshine Act - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to publish on its website, with respect to all loans and other financial assistance it has provided since March 24, 2008: (1) the identity of each business, individual, or entity to which the Board has provided such assistance; (2) the type of financial assistance provided; (3) its value or amount; (4) the date on which it was provided; (5) the specific terms of any repayment expected, including the repayment time period, interest charges, collateral, limitations on executive compensation or dividends, and other material terms; and (6) the specific rationale for providing assistance in each instance. Requires the Board to update such information at least once every 30 days.

Date: 2009-03-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Labeling Education and Nutrition Act of 2009 or the LEAN Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize a food service establishment to provide nutrition information for a food item by: (1) providing calories and nutrient information required for food intended for human consumption; (2) disclosing such information in written form; and (3) making such disclosure available upon request prior to purchase. Requires the labeling of a standard food item served or offered for sale in a food service establishment that is part of a chain that operates 20 or more establishments under the same trade name to disclose, in a clear and conspicuous manner, prior to the point of purchase: (1) the number of calories on a menu board, on a sign meeting certain requirements, in the menu, or as part of or supplement to the menu; (2) specified nutrient information, in writing and upon request; (3) a statement directing the consumer to the availability of additional nutrient information; and (4) a statement providing suggested daily caloric intake, on a menu or menu board that does not list calories.Declares a person to have knowingly or willfully violated the requirements of this Act if the person: (1) purposefully fails to make a disclosure required by this Act; or (2) makes a disclosure with the intent to deceive.Provides that a reasonable basis determination of nutrition information shall be required only once per standard food item if certain requirements are met.Preempts state laws not identical to this Act.

Date: 2009-03-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to allow a secondhand seller to sell, offer for sale, or distribute a product or substance that is not in conformity with a consumer product safety rule relating to lead in children's products or to currently-required labeling for children's products. Defines "secondhand seller" to include: (1) a consignment or thrift shop; (2) an individual who uses the Internet, a yard sale, or other casual means; or (3) a person who sells such a product at an auction to benefit a nonprofit organization.Delays by six months each required step down in the allowed lead level in children's products. Applies this change as though it had taken effect on August 15, 2008. Relieves a manufacturer from the requirement to test or certify a product regarding lead content if the manufacturer has tested and certifies each component of the product. Prohibits either the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or any state attorney general from initiating an enforcement proceeding under the Consumer Product Safety Act or the Federal Hazardous Substances Act regarding product certification and labeling and children's products containing lead until 30 days after the issuance of final rules, regulations, or guidance. Requires the CPSC to waive any civil penalty for a good faith first violation of a prohibition under the Act.

Date: 2009-03-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Major Drug Trafficking Prosecution Act of 2009- Requires the Attorney General's prior written approval for a federal prosecution of an offense under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA), or for any conspiracy to commit such an offense, where the offense involves the illegal distribution or possession of a controlled substance in an amount less than that specified as a minimum for an offense under CSA or, in the case of any substance containing cocaine or cocaine base, in an amount less than 500 grams. Modifies CSA and CSIEA to delete specified mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment.

Date: 2009-03-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Mortgage Credit Repair Act of 2009 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to define "front end ratio" as a ratio that indicates what portion of an individual's income is used to make mortgage payments, calculated by dividing an individual's gross monthly income by their housing expenses, particularly the mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from making a consumer report containing cases under title 11 or under the Bankruptcy Act that antedate the report by more than three years when certain criteria are met. Includes among such criteria that a consumer's front-end debt ratio on a mortgage instrument originated or refinanced on or after January 1, 2003, was 37% or higher for at least six months before and continuing through the time that the bankruptcy is filed. Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from making a consumer report containing any adverse information excluding bankruptcy, but including closed accounts, amounts in collections, accounts charged to profit or loss, repossessions, and foreclosures, if certain circumstances have occurred.

Date: 2009-03-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Overdraft Fee Notification Act - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit a financial institution from imposing any fee or charge for consumer overdraft protection unless it notifies the consumer, in a specified manner, of the fee or charge for such protection before the transaction that would result in an overdraft is completed. Requires such notice for all in-person, automated, telephonic, and Internet-based financial transactions. Requires financial institutions to disclose to the consumer in periodic statements the annual percentage rate of interest which any overdraft protection fee or charge represents.

Date: 2009-03-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to exempt certain all-terrain vehicles from children's product lead limits if it finds that compliance is not technologically feasible due to certain parts that are required for safety or functionality. Allows the CPSC to exempt a specific product or material from the limits if it finds that lead in the product or material will not result in the absorption of lead (under current law, of any lead) into the human body, taking into account normal and reasonably foreseeable use and abuse of the product by a child.

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009 - Treats any food container that is composed, in whole or in part, of bisphenol A or that can release bisphenol A into food as a container that is composed of a poisonous or deleterious substance for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Bans the use of such containers. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant a waiver of such ban for one year (renewable for an additional year) under specified circumstances. Requires any product for which the Secretary grants a waiver to display a prominent warning on its label of the potential health effects associated with bisphenol A. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to periodically review substances listed in federal regulations and generally recognized as safe. Requires any such substances that are shown by new scientific evidence to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans or animals to be banned or otherwise restricted. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require (currently, permits) a manufacturer or supplier of a food contact substance to notify the Secretary of the identity, intended use, and safety of any such substance and of determinations as to the health effects of such substance.

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Health
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to exempt off-highway vehicles from children's product lead limits. Defines "off-highway vehicle" as: (1) any motorized vehicle designed to travel on two, three, or four wheels and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control; and (2) a snowmobile. Allows the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to exempt a specific product or material from the limits if it finds that lead in the product or material will not result in the absorption of lead (under current law, of any lead) into the human body, taking into account normal and reasonably foreseeable use and abuse of the product by a child.

Date: 2009-03-18
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Interest Rate Reduction Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit the annual percentage rate of interest (APR) applicable to any extension of credit to a consumer from exceeding 15% on unpaid balances, inclusive of all finance charges. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to establish an APR ceiling exceeding the 15% annual rate for periods not to exceed 18 months, upon a determination that: (1) money market interest rates have risen over the preceding six-month period; and (2) prevailing interest rate levels threaten the safety and soundness of individual lenders, as evidenced by adverse trends in liquidity, capital, earnings, and growth. Declares the interest rate limitation inapplicable to an extension of credit by an insured credit union.Subjects a creditor who violates this Act to a civil penalty.

Date: 2009-03-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books from the lead limits on children's products. Defines "ordinary books" as books published on paper or cardboard, printed by conventional publishing methods, intended to be read, and lacking inherent play value.

Date: 2009-03-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Financial Product Safety Commission Act of 2009 - Establishes the Financial Product Safety Commission to: (1) promulgate consumer financial product safety rules; (2) establish a best practices guide for all providers of consumer financial products; (3) conduct continuing studies and investigations of consumer financial products industry practices; (4) award grants or enter into contracts for the conduct of such studies and investigations; (5) assist public and private organizations or groups of consumer financial product providers, administratively and technically, in the development of safety standards or guidelines that would assist them in complying with any Commission rule; (6) comment on selected agency rulemakings affecting consumer financial products; and (7) establish a consumer financial product customer hotline.

Date: 2009-03-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prescribe consumer protection guidelines for rental-purchase transactions, including: (1) the determination of rental-purchase cost; (2) disclosure requirements; (3) prohibitions against confessions of judgment, wage assignments, and waiver of consumer claims or defenses; (4) furnishing of statements of account; (5) point-of-rental disclosures; and (6) rental-purchase advertising disclosures. Declares that an action for civil liability may be brought against a merchant's assignee only if the violation is apparent on the face of a rental-purchase agreement to which it relates, including, but not limited to, a disclosure that can be determined to be incomplete or inaccurate from the face of the agreement. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to promulgate implementing regulations. Grants enforcement powers to the Federal Trade Commission and to state attorneys general. Subjects to criminal penalties any willful and knowing violation of the information disclosure requirements of this Act.

Date: 2009-03-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Fight Fraud Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to include within the definition of "financial institution" a mortgage lending business or any person or entity that makes, in whole or in part, a federally related mortgage loan. Defines "mortgage lending business" as an organization that finances or refinances any debt secured by an interest in real estate, including private mortgage companies and their subsidiaries, and whose activities affect interstate or foreign commerce. Extends the prohibition against making false statements in a mortgage application to employees and agents of a mortgage lending business. Applies the prohibition against defrauding the federal government to fraudulent activities involving the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) or a federal economic stimulus, recovery, or rescue plan. Expands securities fraud provisions to cover fraud involving options and futures in commodities. (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General for FY2010-FY2011 for investigations, prosecutions, and civil proceedings involving federal assistance programs and financial institutions. Allocates such funds among various departments of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Authorizes additional appropriations to the U.S. Postal Service, the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Secret Service for FY2010-FY2011 for similar investigations. Requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on amounts expended for fraud investigations and prosecutions and on amounts recovered from criminal or civil restitution, fines, penalties relating to such investigations and prosecutions. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to states and Indian tribes to establish and develop programs for enforcement against mortgage fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and financial institution fraud, including enforcement against the use of computers use to commit such fraud. Sets forth requirements for grant applications and the use of grant funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011. (Sec. 5) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to award grants and enter into contracts with state and local criminal justice agencies and nonprofit organizations to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of covered criminal activities. Defines "covered criminal activity" as a criminal conspiracy or activity or a terrorist conspiracy or activity that spans jurisdictional boundaries, including: (1) terrorism; (2) economic crime, including financial fraud and mortgage fraud; and (3) high-tech crime, including Internet-based crime against children and child pornography. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2015.

Date: 2009-03-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act (the Act) to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to publish the American National Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms (American National Standard ANSI/UL 2034) and the American National Standard for Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors (ANSI/UL 2075) as mandatory consumer product safety standards. Requires the Underwriters Laboratories to notify the CPSC when either such standard is revised and to incorporate the revision in the consumer product safety rule, unless the CPSC determines that such revision does not carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows the CPSC, at any time subsequent to publication of such consumer product safety standards, to initiate a rulemaking to amend either standard to include any provision determined necessary to ensure the safe and effective operation of carbon monoxide alarms. Treats the national standards published by the CPSC pursuant to this Act, including any revision, as consumer product safety rules for purposes of enforcement under the Act. Requires the CPSC to evaluate whether requiring a language or languages in addition to English would improve the effectiveness of the label required to warn consumers of carbon monoxide hazards. Requires the CPSC to establish a grant program to provide assistance to eligible states and local governments to carry out carbon monoxide prevention activities, including activities for: (1) the purchase and installation of approved carbon monoxide alarms in the dwelling units of low-income families or elderly persons, facilities that commonly serve children or the elderly, or student dwelling units owned by public universities; (2) training state or local fire officials in the proper enforcement of state or local laws concerning such alarms and their installation; and (3) educating the public about the risk associated with carbon monoxide as a poison and the importance of proper carbon monoxide alarm use. Sets limitations on the use of grant funds for: (1) administrative costs not directly related to such training of state and local fire officials; and (2) the costs of the activities of such public outreach. Gives priority to applications from states or local governments that: (1) require the installation of approved carbon monoxide alarms in existing dwelling units within which a fuel-burning appliance, apparatus, or device is installed or which has an attached garage; (2) propose to serve vulnerable populations; and (3) have greater than average losses of life from carbon monixide poisoning in the home. Authorizes appropriations through FY2015 to the CPSC to carry out this Act. Requires the CPSC to report on the implementation of the grant program authorized by this Act.

Date: 2009-03-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Consumer Product Safety Solutions Act of 2009 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to apply the limits on lead in children's products and phthalates in any children's toy or child care article: (1) for a limited time, only to items manufactured after a certain date; and (2) thereafter, to all such items regardless of when manufactured. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a rule on related testing methodologies. Allows the CPSC to exclude a specific item from the lead limits if the the CPSC finds that the lead in the item will not result in the absorption of lead into the human body in excess of the limits. (Current law allows the CPSC to so exclude if it will not result in the absorption of any lead into the human body.) Allows a manufacturer to not test for or certify lead or phthalate limit compliance if each component of the product has been tested and certified by the component's manufacturer. Authorizes the CPSC to exempt a product or product category from a current requirement to certify compliance with all rules, bans, standards, or regulations under any Act the CPSC enforces if the requirement is unduly burdensome or cost prohibitive in relationship to the product or product category's risk, or not practical due to the product or product category's intended use. Allows the CPSC to extend the application of, or exempt manufacturers, distributors, or retailers from, any provision of the Act or its amendments if a delay or exemption would better promote public safety and be in the public interest. Requires the CPSC to develop and make available on its website a guide to assist small businesses in complying with any Act enforced by the CPSC.

Date: 2009-03-31
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Drywall Safety Act of 2009 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to: (1) study drywall that was imported from China from 2004 through 2007 and used in U.S. residences; and (2) initiate a proceeding on whether a consumer product safety standard regulating drywall materials is necessary. Requires the CPSC to: (1) designate drywall containing over 5% organic compounds by weight as a product with a product defect which constitutes a substantial product hazard; and (2) order manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of such drywall to cease distribution and notify all persons who handle such product to cease distribution. Requires that the order remain in effect until: (1) the CPSC publishes a determination that such a standard is not necessary; or (2) such a standard takes effect.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
American Credit Card Reform Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit the annual percentage rate (APR) applicable to any extension of credit on an open end consumer credit account from exceeding 14%. Prohibits a credit card issuer from imposing any fee or penalty in connection with a transaction initiated by a consumer in which credit extended under such credit plan is applied to reduce an outstanding balance on another credit card account of the consumer. Prohibits a credit card issuer from: (1) advertising any credit card account on the grounds of an institution of higher education through the distribution of written applications or solicitations; or (2) amending or changing the terms of a credit card contract so long as the consumer remains in full compliance with the contract's existing terms. Prohibits the due date for any periodic payment on an outstanding credit card balance from being less than 30 days after: (1) the date of the postmark on the envelope in which the periodic statement was sent to the consumer; or if no postmark appears on the envelope, (2) the date that is three days after the closing date of such periodic statement.

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector