WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 859 · 119th Congress

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

Passed HouseCommerce
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Passed HouseApr 29, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Apr 30, 2025: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64. The House passed it 415–9. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 3 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 859 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 3 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text as placed on the Senate calendar (Apr 30, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Required disclosure of a camera or recording capability in certain internet-connected devices
  • Sec. 3 Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission
  • Sec. 4 Definition of covered device
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be 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

    Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

    This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices (e.g., smart appliances) that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers prior to purchase that a camera or microphone is part of the device.

    The bill does not apply to mobile phones, laptops, or other devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include a camera or microphone.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 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. Apr 30, 2025Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.Senate
    2. Apr 29, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. Apr 29, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. Apr 29, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Apr 29, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1710-1711)House floor actions
    6. Apr 28, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    7. Apr 28, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 859.House floor actions
    8. Apr 28, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1666)House floor actions
    9. Apr 28, 2025Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    10. Apr 24, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 49.House floor actions
    11. Apr 24, 2025Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.House floor actions
    12. Apr 24, 2025Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.Library of Congress
    13. Apr 8, 2025Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.House committee actions
    14. Apr 8, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    15. Jan 31, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
    16. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    17. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Apr 29, 2025 · HousePassed 415–9
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
      R 208 yes, 9 noD 207 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Seth Moulton D-MA-6