WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 2481 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-129

Romance Scam Prevention Act

Became lawCommerce
IntroducedMar 31, 2025
Passed HouseJun 23, 2025
Passed SenateSep 23, 2026
To PresidentOct 14, 2026
Became lawOct 20, 2026

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 2481 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Romance scam prevention
What the words changed: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Romance Scam Prevention Act

    This bill requires online dating service providers (i.e., mobile applications or websites) to provide users with a fraud ban notification if the user has established an account with the service and received a message through the service from a banned user of the service.

    The fraud ban notification must include (1) the username or other profile identifier of the banned user and the most recent time when the user who is receiving the notification sent or received a message through the service to or from the banned user, (2) a statement that the banned user may have been using a false identity or attempting to defraud other users, (3) a statement that the user should not send cash (or another form of currency) or personal financial information to another user, (4) information about avoiding online fraud (e.g., a link to another website or a disclosure) and (5) contact information for the provider's customer service department.

    The bill provides for enforcement of these requirements by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Mar 31, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. 2026-10-20Became Public Law No: 119-129.Library of Congress
    2. 2026-10-20Became Public Law No: 119-129.Library of Congress
    3. 2026-10-20Signed by President.Library of Congress
    4. 2026-10-20Signed by President.Library of Congress
    5. 2026-10-14Presented to President.House floor actions
    6. 2026-10-14Presented to President.Library of Congress
    7. 2026-09-24Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
    8. 2026-09-23Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4902)Senate
    9. 2026-09-23Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4902)Library of Congress
    10. 2026-06-17Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 438.Senate
    11. 2025-06-24Received in the Senate.Senate
    12. 2025-06-23Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    13. 2025-06-23On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2848-2849)House floor actions
    14. 2025-06-23Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2848-2849)Library of Congress
    15. 2025-06-23DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2481.House floor actions
    16. 2025-06-23Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2848-2850)House floor actions
    17. 2025-06-23Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    18. 2025-06-12Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 119.House floor actions
    19. 2025-06-12Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-153.House floor actions
    20. 2025-06-12Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-153.Library of Congress
    21. 2025-04-08Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.House committee actions
    22. 2025-04-08Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    23. 2025-03-31Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
    24. 2025-03-31Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    25. 2025-03-31Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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    After it became law

    Sourced

    Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-129 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

    Cosponsors

    • Juan Ciscomani R-AZ-6
    • Craig A. Goldman R-TX-12
    • Josh Harder D-CA-9
    • David P. Joyce R-OH-14
    • Michael Lawler R-NY-17
    • Susie Lee D-NV-3
    • Brittany Pettersen D-CO-7
    • Jefferson Shreve R-IN-6
    • Thomas R. Suozzi D-NY-3