Consumer Safety Technology Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1770
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T19:53:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Consumer Safety Technology Act (H.R. 1770)
Purpose
This legislation aims to enhance consumer product safety and protection by promoting the use of emerging technologies. It directs federal agencies to explore and report on artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital tokens to prevent hazards, fraud, and unfair practices in consumer markets.
Key Provisions
The Act is divided into three titles, each focusing on a specific technology:
Title I: AI for Consumer Product Safety Act
- Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a pilot program within one year of enactment to test AI in supporting its mission of protecting consumers from unsafe products.
- The program must use AI for at least one of the following: tracking injury trends, identifying product hazards, monitoring online sales of recalled products (new or used), or spotting products that should be blocked at U.S. borders under existing safety laws.
- The CPSC must consult experts in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, retail, manufacturing, and consumer safety groups.
- Within one year after the pilot ends, the CPSC must submit a public report to Congress detailing findings and how AI improved safety efforts.
Title II: Blockchain Innovation Act
- Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other relevant agencies, to complete a study within one year on blockchain technology's potential for consumer protection, especially against fraud and unfair practices (as defined under FTC rules prohibiting deceptive business conduct).
- The study must cover: current and future uses of blockchain to protect consumers; commercial trends and investments; best practices for public-private partnerships; benefits and risks; potential regulatory changes to encourage adoption; and other recommendations.
- Public input must be solicited during the study.
- Within six months of completing the study, the Secretary must submit a public report to Congress.
Title III: Digital Taxonomy Act
- Includes congressional findings emphasizing U.S. leadership in innovation, the benefits of tokens (digital representations of information on blockchain or similar ledgers) for consumer choice, and the FTC's role in combating unfair or deceptive practices involving tokens.
- Requires the FTC to submit a public report to Congress within one year on: its past actions against unfair token-related practices; other prevention efforts; and legislative recommendations to better protect consumers in the token market, including training for FTC staff.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This Act does not amend or repeal existing laws but introduces new mandates for pilot programs and studies. It builds on the Consumer Product Safety Act (1972) and FTC Act (1914) by integrating modern technologies without altering core definitions or enforcement powers. For example, it references but does not change rules on blocking unsafe imports or defining unfair practices.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The CPSC, Department of Commerce, and FTC will need resources for the pilot, study, and report, potentially leading to more efficient use of technology in oversight. This could strain budgets short-term but improve long-term capabilities in monitoring products and fraud.
- Citizens (Consumers): Enhanced detection of hazards, recalled items, and scams could reduce injuries and financial losses from unsafe or deceptive products, especially online.
- International Relations: Minor indirect effects through better border controls on imports and studies on global tech trends, but no direct foreign policy changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Consumers: Primary beneficiaries through improved safety and anti-fraud measures.
- Government Agencies: CPSC (AI pilot), Department of Commerce (blockchain study), and FTC (token report and enforcement).
- Industry Groups: Retailers, consumer product manufacturers (consulted in AI pilot), blockchain developers, and token issuers (impacted by studies and potential regulations).
- Experts and Organizations: AI technologists, cybersecurity specialists, and consumer safety advocates (involved in consultations and public comments).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces agency authority under existing statutes without expanding it, focusing on voluntary pilots and non-binding studies. "Tokens" are broadly defined to include various digital assets, potentially clarifying FTC jurisdiction over crypto-like items without new rules.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause powers to regulate interstate trade and consumer protection; no apparent free speech or privacy concerns, though AI and blockchain uses may raise future data security questions.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan goals of innovation and safety in emerging tech, signaling U.S. intent to lead in AI and blockchain without heavy regulation. Reports could influence future legislation, but the Act itself is exploratory rather than prescriptive.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 336 - 36 (Roll no. 192). (text: CR H3212-3213) (Roll call 192)
- 2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 336 - 36 (Roll no. 192). (Roll call 192)
- 2025-07-14: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3231)
- 2025-07-14: At 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.
- 2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1770.
- 2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3212-3214)
- 2025-07-14: Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-06-12: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 123.
- 2025-06-12: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-157.
- 2025-06-12: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-157.
- 2025-03-04: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-03-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Bill Versions
- Consumer Safety Technology Act — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (12 pages)
- Consumer Safety Technology Act — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (9 pages)
- Consumer Safety Technology Act — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (10 pages)
- Consumer Safety Technology Act — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (12 pages)