zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act of 2009 - 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). Defines as a "novelty lighter" a lighter that has a toy-like appearance, has entertaining audio or visual effects, or resembles in any way in form or function an item that is commonly recognized as appealing, attractive, or intended for use by children of 10 years of age or younger. Excludes from that term standard disposable and refillable lighters that are printed or decorated with logos, labels, decals, artwork, or heat shrinkable sleeves.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act of 2009 - Requires the manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold, leased, or otherwise introduced into U.S. commerce to: (1) provide to the vehicle owner and service providers all information necessary to diagnose, service, maintain, or repair the vehicle; (2) offer for sale to the vehicle owner and service providers any related tool or equipment; and (3) provide the information that enables aftermarket tool companies to manufacture tools with the same functional characteristics. Exempts trade secrets, so long as the information is not disclosed to authorized dealers or service providers. Authorizes enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and civil actions by state attorneys general, consumers, and service providers.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Skin Cancer Prevention, Education, and Consumer Right-To-Know Act - Requires the proposed rule issued by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs pertaining to over-the-counter sunscreen drug products to take effect 180 days after enactment of this Act, unless the Commissioner issues a final rule that includes formulation, labeling, and testing requirements for both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation protection before such time. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a general, nationwide education campaign identifying the risks posed by sun exposure without the use of a sunscreen providing broad-spectrum protection.

Date: 2009-04-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Health
Long-Term Care Affordability and Security Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; and (2) extend certain consumer protections under the long-term care insurance model regulation promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to all contracts for long-term care insurance.

Date: 2009-04-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Taxation
Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful, during a period proclaimed by the President as an energy emergency, to sell gasoline or any other petroleum distillate at a price that: (1) is unconscionably excessive; or (2) indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage of the circumstances of an emergency to increase prices unreasonably. Authorizes the President to issue an energy emergency proclamation of up to 30 days, with renewals allowed, and to cite the geographic area, gasoline or other petroleum distillate, and time period covered. Authorizes a proclamation to include a period of up to one week preceding a reasonably foreseeable emergency. Exempts from this Act a sale of gasoline or other petroleum distillate transaction on a futures market. Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce this Act. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations, but limits the criminal penalty to criminal actions brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Allows a state to bring a civil action to enforce this Act or to impose civil penalties. Requires deposit of fines and penalties collected under this Act in a separate Consumer Relief Trust Fund in the Treasury to provide assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program. Declares that nothing in this Act preempts state law.

Date: 2009-04-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Energy
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 28, 2010. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010 - Amends the Fur Products Labeling Act to eliminate the exemption to fur labeling requirements for products containing relatively small amounts of fur. Exempts from such Act a fur product: (1) the fur of which was obtained from an animal through trapping or hunting; and (2) that is sold by the hunter or trapper in a face to face transaction at a place such as a residence, craft fair, or other location used on a temporary or short term basis where the revenue from the sale is not such person's primary income source. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to publish in the Federal Register notice of, and an opportunity to comment on, a review of the Fur Products Name Guide. States that budgetary effects of this Act for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Date: 2009-05-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act of 2009 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to expand the definition of consumer product to include amusement rides permanently fixed to a site (thereby granting the Consumer Product Safety Commission jurisdiction over such rides).

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to censure, place limitations on the activities or functions of, or investigate any person who at the time of specified alleged misconduct was: (1) a member or employee of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board; (2) a person associated with or seeking to become associated with a government securities broker or dealer; (3) a person associated with a member of a national securities exchange or registered securities association; (4) a participant of a registered clearing agency; (5) an officer or director of a self-regulatory organization; and (6) an officer or director of an investment company.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Better Oversight of Secondary Sales and Accountability in Concert Ticketing Act of 2009 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate rules regarding the primary sale, distribution, and pricing of tickets, including regarding: (1) disclosing the number of tickets and the distribution method; (2) printing the date and time of sale on each ticket; (3) disclosure on the seller's website or in promotional material of all ancillary charges; and (4) inclusion of all ancillary charges in any refund. Requires the FTC to promulgate rules regarding the secondary sale, distribution, and pricing of tickets, including regarding: (1) disclosure if the secondary seller does not possess the ticket at the time of the sale; (2) purchase by a secondary seller during the first 48 hours of ticket availability; (3) disclosure of the distribution method, the face value of each ticket, and the location of the seat or space involved; (4) disclosure that an online marketplace is for secondary sale; (5) resale for a price higher than face value; and (6) disclosure by an online marketplace when the secondary seller is the primary seller, venue, or artist involved. Requires secondary sellers and online resale marketplaces to register with the FTC. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under of the Federal Trade Commission Act and requires the FTC to enforce this Act. Allows states to bring civil enforcement actions. Allows state and local laws that provide equal or greater protection to consumers.

Date: 2009-06-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Household Product Labeling Act of 2009 - Requires any household cleaning product or similar product to bear a label on the product's container or packaging that contains a complete and accurate list of all the product's ingredients. Treats a product without such a label as a misbranded hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Defines "household cleaning product or similar product" as any substance which is customarily produced and distributed for use in or about a household as a cleaning agent, pesticide, epoxy, paint or stain, or similar substance. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue related regulations, including regulations which expand on or exempt from the definition in this Act any product or product category.

Date: 2009-06-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Consumer Product and Food Safety Information Act of 2009 - Requires the head of each federal product safety enforcement agency to design and implement a public information plan to use agency and media resources to provide information to the public concerning: (1) the role of the agency in ensuring product safety; (2) steps consumers can take to enhance their safety while using regulated products; (3) product recalls; and (4) additional information to enhance consumer safety. Requires such plan to include procedures for developing and distributing product safety information to the public. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish: (1) a clearinghouse to collect and distribute product recall and safety information to government entities and the public; (2) a toll-free number for such information; and (3) a public website to provide recall information to the public.Requires the head of each enforcement agency to issue: (1) national public service announcements that contain information on the public safety role of the agency, available resources, and product safety information; and (2) posters and other printed material on the public safety role of the agency.Sets forth requirements for product recall notifications and quarterly reporting.Requires any manufacturer or distributor of a product who voluntarily initiates a product recall as a result of safety concerns to provide notice of such recall to the relevant enforcement agency within 10 days.

Date: 2009-06-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
DMF Free Act of 2009 - Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture for sale, offer for sale, or distribute in commerce any consumer product containing dimethylfumarate (DMF). Treats any consumer product containing DMF as a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and treats a violation of this Act as a violation of the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Date: 2009-06-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding confidentiality of documents to permit the availability to a foreign auditor oversight authority of information that relates to a public accounting firm within the authority's regulatory or law enforcement jurisdiction, if the authority provides assurances of confidentiality the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines to be appropriate.

Date: 2009-07-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Freedom of Health Speech Act - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to prohibit considering the content of any publication as advertising regulable under the Act unless the content is intended by a product seller to promote that product's sale and the content includes the name of the product, an express offer to sell, and a purchase price. Prohibits considering any content excerpted in whole or part from a peer-reviewed scientific publication as advertising regulable under the Act. Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from beginning an investigation of possible false advertising regarding a dietary supplement or a dietary ingredient unless the FTC already possesses clear and convincing evidence that the advertisement is false and misleading. Places the burden of proof on the FTC to show, by clear and convincing evidence, that an advertisement for a dietary supplement or dietary ingredient is false, that the advertisement actually caused consumers to be misled into believing to be true that which is false, and that, but for the false advertising content, the consumer would not have made the purchase at the price paid. Requires the FTC, if a claimed health benefit is alleged to be false advertising, to additionally establish, based on expert scientific opinion and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence, that the claim is false.

Date: 2009-07-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), by regulation, to: (1) initiate a program by which a manufacturer or private labeler of a toy or durable nursery product shall label a product as complying with third party testing requirements; and (2) base certification labeling requirements for toys and durable infant and toddler products, at minimum, upon specified product safety design analysis and testing standards (including randomness and frequency standards). Repeals the general product conformity certification requirements of the Act. Delays until August 14, 2010, the effective date of requirements that a manufacturer place permanent, distinguishing marks on a children's product and its packaging that enable the manufacturer to ascertain the product's specific source and the ultimate purchaser to ascertain its production date, location, and cohort information.

Date: 2009-09-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Credit CARD Technical Corrections Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act, as amended by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (Credit CARD Act of 2009), to make a technical amendment with respect to the timing of payments related to open end consumer credit plans. Adds the phrase "a credit card account under" to the timing requirement to specify that a creditor may not treat a payment on a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan as late for any purpose, unless the creditor has adopted reasonable procedures designed to ensure that each periodic statement is mailed or delivered to the consumer at least 21 days before the payment due date.

Date: 2009-09-17
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Bereaved Consumer's Bill of Rights Act of 2010 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the provision of funeral goods or services.  Includes among such rules: (1) a requirement that price information be disclosed clearly and conspicuously; (2) a prohibition on misrepresentations or conditioning the provision of goods or services upon the purchase of other goods or services from the provider; (3) a requirement that any presale disclosures and contracts are written clearly, stating the merchandise, services, and prices and disclosing any penalties for canceling or transferring a contract; (4) a requirement that cemeteries provide to consumers all written rules and regulations of the cemetery and all material terms and conditions of purchase; and (5) a requirement that cemeteries retain all records in existence on the date of enactment of this Act and accurately record and retain records of interments, inurnments, or entombments. Applies such rules to states or political subdivisions and tax-exempt organizations.  Excludes cemeteries organized, operated, managed, and owned by a  religious organization and that are not affiliated with a for-profit provider offering funeral goods and services for sale to the public. Gives standing to states to bring a civil action for violations of this Act.

Date: 2009-09-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the duties of users of consumer reports who take adverse actions on the basis of information contained in such reports. Excludes any health care practice, accounting practice, or legal practice with 20 or fewer employees from the meaning of creditor subject to Red Flag Guidelines regarding identity theft promulgated by the proper federal financial regulatory agency. Excludes any other business which the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determines: (1) knows all its customers or clients individually; (2) only performs services in or around the residences of its customers; or (3) has not experienced incidents of identity theft, and identity theft is rare for businesses of that type. States that such exclusion shall no longer apply to any business that can no longer meet such eligibility criteria.

Date: 2009-10-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Overdraft Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with overdraft coverage, or in acts designed to evade the provisions of this Act. Requires each depository institution that provides overdraft coverage for transaction accounts to clearly and conspicuously disclose overdraft coverage fees. Subjects overdraft coverage fees to the consumer's written, electronic, or other consent. Requires a depository institution to provide specified consumer disclosures regarding its overdraft protection program, including: (1) periodic statements for any transaction account that has an overdraft coverage program feature; and (2) prompt notification of the account's overdraft status. Prescribes overdraft coverage fee limits. Prohibits an overdraft coverage fee if the overdraft results solely from a debit hold amount that exceeds the actual dollar amount of the transaction. Requires a depository institution to provide consumers who have not consented to participate in an overdraft coverage program transaction accounts with the same terms as those provided to consumers who have consented to participate in such program. Prohibits a depository institution from charging a non-sufficient fund fee for any transaction at an automated teller machine, or a debit card transaction. Prohibits a depository institution from reporting negative information regarding consumer use of overdraft coverage to any consumer reporting agency when the overdraft amounts and coverage fees are paid under the terms of an overdraft coverage program.

Date: 2009-10-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Truth in Lending Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act concerning the mandatory 45-day advance notice of significant changes (including rate increases) under an open end consumer credit plan. Declares that such requirement does not prevent a creditor from putting into effect immediately any reduction in an annual percentage rate (APR), any decrease or elimination of any fee imposed upon a consumer, or any significant change in terms solely or primarily for the benefit of the consumer.

Date: 2009-11-03
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Restoring America's Commitment to Consumers Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit the annual percentage rate (APR) applicable to an extension of credit on a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan from exceeding 16%. Includes in an APR any compensation fee (including a membership fee or an annual fee) for: (1) opening or maintaining the account; (2) granting an extension of credit; or (3) making available a line of credit. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make adjustments to the maximum APR limitation; but creates the presumption that any increase by the Board to the maximum limitation is not in the public interest unless severe economic conditions justify the increase. Prohibits construction of this Act as an endorsement by Congress of a 16% APR. Declares the intention of Congress that: (1) such maximum APR limitation should merely serve as a ceiling on consumer credit cards and few, if any, consumer credit card accounts would ever bear the maximum rate; and (2) consumer credit card issuers should strive to maintain APRs most advantageous to borrowers. Treats as an unfair or deceptive act or practice a credit card account which, as of December 11, 2009, bears an APR that is less than 16%, and subsequently increases it between December 11, 2009, and 60 days after enactment of this Act. Imposes a $15 cap upon certain credit card account fees, including fees (such as late fees, overdraft fees, or over-the-limit transaction fees) for borrower default or breach of any condition upon which credit was extended.

Date: 2009-12-11
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for expenses related to advertising primarily directed at children to promote the consumption by children of food from any fast food restaurant or of poor nutritional quality. Defines "food of poor nutritional quality" as food that is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury (in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services [HHS] and the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]) to provide calories primarily through fats or added sugars and to have minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Date: 2009-12-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Taxation
Children's Toxic Metals Act - Bans as a hazardous substance and prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution in commerce of jewelry containing cadmium, barium, or antimony for children 12 years old or younger. Sets forth: (1) factors to determine whether jewelry is designed or intended for wear or use by such children; and (2) penalties for violations of such prohibition.

Date: 2010-01-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
BPA-Free Kids Act of 2009 - Defines "children's food or beverage container" as any container, except a metal can, that is: (1) designed or intended to be filled with any liquid, food, or beverage primarily for consumption from that container by children three years old or younger; and (2) sold or distributed at retail without containing any liquid, food, or beverage. Requires that any children's food or beverage container that is composed in whole or in part of bisphenol A (BPA) be treated as a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Grants the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) jurisdiction over, and authority to enforce, the provisions of this Act, notwithstanding: (1) specified provisions of various Acts; and (2) a specified memorandum of understanding between the CPSC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires suppliers and manufacturers to test for BPA plastic resins used in the manufacture and distribution of children's food and beverage containers to ensure that the plastic resins in children's food and beverage containers do not contain BPA. Requires suppliers to certify to manufacturers that plastic resins do not contain BPA. Imposes labeling and advertising requirements. Allows nonconflicting state and subdivision laws. Requires research to increase understanding of the health effects of BPA exposure in all age groups and in pregnant women.

Date: 2010-01-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Guarantee of a Legitimate Deal Act of 2010 - Prohibits any purchaser of precious metals from: (1) selling, transfering to a third party, or refining through melting or otherwise permanently destroying an item of jewelry or precious metal before the purchaser has received an affirmative acceptance of an offer to purchase the item from the consumer at a specific price; (2) failing to promptly return any jewelry or other precious metal if the consumer declines the offer; or (3) failing to adequately insure any return shipment. Exempts a sale or transfer to law enforcement agencies. Deems a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.  Gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to enforce these provisions. Makes this Act effective 60 days after enactment.

Date: 2010-01-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny business taxpayers whose gross receipts exceeded $100 million in the preceding taxable year a tax deduction for expenses incurred for advertising anything other than a service or product.

Date: 2010-01-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Taxation
Consumers Have Options for Molar Protection Act of 2009 or the CHOMP Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a dentist: (1) before performing any dental restoration work, to provide the patient with a fact sheet developed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and obtain the patient's signature acknowledging receipt of that sheet; and (2) to place a copy of the signed acknowledgment in the patient's record.Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and periodically review and update, as scientifically warranted, such fact sheet, describing and comparing the risks and efficacy of the various types of dental restorative materials that may be used to repair a patient's oral condition or defect; and (2) make the fact sheet available to all licensed dentists in the United States. Establishes a $5,000 fine for violations, with the number of violations calculated by multiplying $5,000 by the number of restorative materials placed into a patient's mouth in violation of this Act. Requires the Secretary, through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to develop text describing the health risks associated with dental restorative material, to be included in its labeling. Considers such material to be misbranded if its labeling fails to include such text.

Date: 2010-02-04
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Health
Credit Card Cosigner Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require the creditor or lessor to provide to each obligor involved in a consumer credit transaction or consumer lease all disclosures required under such Act.

Date: 2010-02-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed materials 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: 2010-03-04
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Ticket Act - Makes it unlawful for any: (1) ticket issuer to prohibit or restrict the resale or offering for resale of an event ticket by a lawful possessor; and (2) person to engage in the primary or resale market for event ticket sales without complying with the consumer protection minimum standards specified in this Act. Treats a violation of such prohibitions as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Provides for state enforcement of such prohibitions. Prohibits state action during the pendency of an enforcement action by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Exempts from such prohibitions resale restrictions imposed by: (1) sponsors or promoters of charitable events for which all tickets are distributed without charge; and (2) not-for-profit educational institutions for athletic events involving their athletes or teams with respect to tickets initially distributed to students, faculty, staff, or alumni without charge, or to members of bona fide booster organizations.

Date: 2010-03-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Free Speech About Science Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow food producers to make a disease or health-related claim about a food if such claim is based on legitimate scientific research. Requires such a claim to: (1) be stated so that it is an accurate, balanced summary of such research and enables the public to comprehend the information provided in the claim and the relative significance of such information in the context of a total daily diet; and (2) identify each party that funded research to support the claim. Allows a disease or health-related statement for a dietary supplement if: (1) the statement claims to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases, based on legitimate scientific research; (2) the manufacturer of the supplement has substantiation that such statement is truthful and not misleading; and (3) the health claim includes a citation to the research supporting such claim and identifies each party that funded such research. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from restricting the distribution of information that is not false or misleading and that is based on legitimate scientific research in connection with the sale of food.

Date: 2010-03-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Electronic Check Parity Act of 2010 - Finds electronic debit transactions serve as a functional replacement for check transactions. Grants the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System authority to promulgate rules regarding any interchange transaction fee charged with respect to an electronic debit transaction. Permits the Board to exempt from such rules any financial institutions, including those regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), that, together with affiliates, have assets of less than $1 billion. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a credit card network from inhibiting the ability of any person to: (1) set a minimum or maximum dollar value for such person's acceptance of any form of payment; or (2) offer a discount, benefit, or anything else of value to customers in order to create an incentive for them to pay such person using a form of payment that carries lower transaction fees or costs (limitation on credit card network restrictions). Defines "credit card network"' as an entity that directly, or through licensed members, processors, or agents, provides the proprietary services, infrastructure, and software that route information and data to facilitate transaction authorization, clearance, and settlement that a person must access in order to accept a specific brand of general-purpose credit card as payment for goods or services.

Date: 2010-05-04
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Safe Highway Markings Act of 2010 - Prescribes minimum standards for engineered glass beads used in reflective markings, limiting the arsenic content to 200 parts per million. Requires states that receive certain federal-aid highway funds to ensure that any new application of reflective markings on or along federal-aid highway roads or highways be made from a binder that has been mixed, in whole or in part, with engineered glass beads. Requires the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), to withhold up to 5% of the apportionment of funds for any state that does not comply with such standards.

Date: 2010-05-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Bans as a hazardous product any drop-side crib that is sold, offered for sale, manufactured for sale, distributed in commerce, used in public facilities such as hotels or day care centers, or imported into the United States. Defines "drop-side crib" as any infant crib that has at least one side that moves up and down but does not include a drop-gate crib or any other crib that has immovable sides with a portion of one side capable of being folded down.

Date: 2010-05-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Identity Theft Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to eliminate the requirement in a prosecution for identity theft that the prosecution must prove that the defendant knew that the stolen identification documents belonged to another person.

Date: 2010-05-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 2010 - Prohibits a state or local jurisdiction from imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on or with respect to the sale or use of digital goods or services delivered or transferred electronically to a customer. Restricts taxation of digital goods and services to the retail sale of such goods and services and by the jurisdiction encompassing a customer's tax address. Prohibits the use of existing regulations or administrative rulings relating to the taxation of tangible personal property or other services to impose any tax on the sale or use of digital goods or services. Prohibits taxation on or with respect to the sale or use of digital medical, education, or energy management services. Provides that if charges for digital goods and services are not separately stated from charges for other goods or services, the charges for digital goods and services may be taxed at the same rate and on the same basis as charges for other goods and services unless the seller can reasonably identify the charges for digital goods and services from its business records. Grants jurisdiction to federal district courts to prevent a violation of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that each state shall take reasonable steps to prevent multiple taxation of digital goods and services where a foreign country has imposed a tax on such goods and services.

Date: 2010-06-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Taxation
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 if such persons do not provide such 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: 2010-06-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Mercury Reduction and Energy Security Act of 2010 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require affected units (coal-fired electric steam generating units that have nameplate capacities greater than 25 megawatts and generate electricity for sale) to reduce mercury emissions by the less stringent limitation of: (1) 80% capture of inlet mercury or an emission rate of 1.6 pounds of mercury per trillion British thermal units (Btu) of input coal for the period beginning on January 1, 2012, and ending December 31, 2014; and (2) 90% capture of inlet mercury or an emission rate of 0.8 pounds of mercury per trillion Btu of input coal by 2015 and each year thereafter. Specifies methods that owners or operators of affected units are required to use as reference methods in calibrating the instruments used to measure the mercury concentrations in emissions from affected units. Establishes excess emissions penalties for mercury. Sets forth compliance provisions. Authorizes: (1) owners or operators of affected units that fail to achieve such limitations to request an alternate emission limitation; (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish alternate limitations if the Administrator determines that the owner or operator has properly installed and operated continuous emissions monitoring system and control technology designed to achieve such limitations and is unable to achieve such limitations; and (3) the Administrator, after granting alternate limitations, to impose more stringent emissions limitations in subsequent years. Makes such alternate limitations effective January 1, 2015. Provides that this Act supersedes any other requirement in such Act with regard to the emission of mercury from electric utility steam generating units.

Date: 2010-07-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Environmental protection
Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act - Defines "post-transaction third party seller" as a person that: (1) sells, or offers for sale, any good or service on the Internet; (2) solicits purchases on the Internet through an initial merchant after the consumer has initiated a transaction with the initial merchant; and (3) is not a subsidiary or corporate affiliate of the initial merchant. Makes it unlawful for any post-transaction third party seller to charge or attempt to charge any consumer's credit card, debit card, bank account, or other financial account in an Internet-based transaction, unless: (1) before obtaining the consumer's billing information, the seller has disclosed all material terms, including the fact that the seller is not affiliated with the initial merchant; and (2) the seller has received the express informed consent. Makes it unlawful for an initial merchant to disclose such financial account number or other billing information to any such seller (sometimes referred to as a data-pass). Makes it unlawful, subject to exception, for any person to charge or attempt to charge a consumer for goods or services sold in an Internet-based transaction through a "negative option feature." Defines "negative option feature" as a provision under which the customer's failure to take an affirmative action to reject goods or services or to cancel the agreement is interpreted by the seller as acceptance of the offer. Prohibits construing this Act to supersede or otherwise affect the Electronic Fund Transfer Act or any regulation thereunder. Treats a violation of this Act or any regulation thereunder as an unfair or deceptive act or practice. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this Act. Authorizes any state attorney general to bring an action on behalf of the state's residents to enjoin further violation, to compel compliance with this Act, to obtain damages, or to obtain other appropriate relief.

Date: 2010-07-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Building Effective Strategies To Promote Responsibility Accountability Choice Transparency Innovation Consumer Expectations and Safeguards Act or the BEST PRACTICES Act - Defines "covered entity" as a person engaged in interstate commerce that collects or stores data containing covered or sensitive information (information), excluding: (1) federal, state, and local governments; or (2) any person that stores covered information from or about fewer than 15,000 individuals, collects covered information from or about fewer than 10,000 individuals during any 12-month period, does not collect or store sensitive information, and does not use covered information to monitor or analyze the behavior of individuals as the person's primary business. Requires a covered entity to make available to individuals whose information it collects or maintains information about its information privacy practices and an individual's options with regard to such practices, including: (1) the covered entity's identity; (2) a description of, the purposes for, and potential disclosure of such information; and (3) the individual's means to access the information and limit its collection, use, and disclosure. Prohibits a covered entity from: (1) collecting, using, or disclosing information unless it provides the information in concise and easy-to-understand notices in accordance with regulations issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (excludes trade secrets and in-person transactions from such notice requirements); (2) collecting or using information about an individual without the individual's consent (which may be granted affirmatively or by not declining consent after appropriate notification); and (3) disclosing information about an individual to a third party unless the covered entity has received affirmative consent from the individual prior to the disclosure. Requires a covered entity to assure information accuracy, including by providing an individual with information access and dispute resolution procedures. Requires each covered entity and service provider to ensure information security, integrity, and confidentiality. Exempts a covered entity that participates in one or more FTC-approved self-regulatory programs (Choice Program) from: (1) the requirements for express affirmative consent required for information use pursuant to a Choice Program; (2) the requirement of access to information; and (3) private right of action liability. Provides and specifies the conditions for FTC, state, and private rights of enforcement.

Date: 2010-07-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the regulation of cosmetics, including to require: (1) annual registration of any establishment engaged in manufacturing, packaging, or distributing cosmetics for use in the United States; (2) new fees to provide for oversight and enforcement of cosmetics regulations; (3) ingredient labeling and disclosure of information on ingredients; and (4) adverse event reporting. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a list of prohibited or restricted ingredients and a list of ingredients that are safe without limits for use in cosmetics; and (2) develop a priority assessment list of ingredients that cannot be included on either of the other two lists because of a lack of authoritative information on the safety of the ingredient; and (3) establish minimum data requirements and test protocols to be used by manufacturers to assess the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Sets forth provisions related to: (1) nanotechnology in the formulation of cosmetics; (2) the voluntary and mandatory recall of cosmetics; and (3) alternatives to animal testing. Establishes the Interagency Council on Cosmetic Safety to share data and promote collaboration on cosmetic safety among federal agencies. Deems a cosmetic that fails to meet the requirements set forth by this Act to be adulterated. Deems a cosmetic that fails to meet the labeling requirements under this Act to be misbranded. Requires the Secretary of Labor to promulgate an occupational safety and health standard that requires an expanded material safety data sheet to be made available to cosmetics distributors and employers using such products for professional use.

Date: 2010-07-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Seniors Financial Fraud Prevention Act of 2010 - Establishes a separate office within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the prevention of fraud targeting seniors and requires the office to assist the FTC in monitoring the market for mail, telemarketing, television, and Internet fraud which targets seniors. Requires the FTC through such office: (1) to disseminate to seniors and their families and caregivers information on mail, telemarketing, television, and Internet fraud targeting seniors, including on ways of referring complaints to appropriate law enforcement agencies; (2) in response to a request about a particular entity or individual, to provide publicly available information on any record of civil or criminal law enforcement action for such fraud; and (3) to maintain a website as a resource for such individuals on those kinds of fraud. Requires the FTC through such office to establish procedures to: (1) log and acknowledge complaints from individuals who certify that they believe they have been victims of mail, telemarketing, television, or Internet fraud; (2) provide certain information on those kinds of fraud; and (3) refer such complaints to appropriate entities, including state consumer protection agencies and entities and appropriate law enforcement agencies, for potential law enforcement action.

Date: 2010-07-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Toxic Metals Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution in commerce of any children's product containing specified levels of antimony, barium, cadmium, or chromium. Defines a "children's product" as a product designed or intended to be worn or used by a child 12 years of age or younger and sold or distributed at retail. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a measurement standard for antimony, barium, cadmium, or chromium that is comparable to the measurement standard currently used. Sets forth: (1) factors to determine whether a product is designed or intended for wear or use by such children; and (2) penalties for violations of such prohibition.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
SEC Freedom of Information Restoration Act - Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Act) to repeal the exemption from the disclosure requirements of the Freedom of Information Act granted to materials submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940. Restores or revives the provisions of law amended or repealed by the Act as if the Act had not been enacted.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Act) to repeal the exemption from the disclosure requirements of the Freedom of Information Act granted to materials submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940. Restores or revives the provisions of law amended or repealed by the Act as if the Act had not been enacted.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to repeal the requirement for regulations requiring each covered financial institution to disclose the structures of all incentive-based compensation arrangements it offers.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector