SLASH Prices Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9371
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:06:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation requires businesses to disclose when they use personalized algorithmic pricing to charge different prices for the same goods or services. It aims to increase transparency for consumers and provide an opt-out option while exempting certain common pricing practices.
Key Provisions
- Disclosure requirement: Covered persons must notify consumers in writing with the exact phrase "This price was set by an algorithm using your personal data" when using personalized algorithmic pricing. The notice must appear prominently alongside each offered price.
- Opt-out mechanism: Businesses must offer a clear way for consumers to opt out immediately. The opt-out must show the price available without personalized pricing, and businesses cannot discriminate against those who opt out by denying service, raising prices, or lowering quality.
- FTC notification: Businesses must inform the Federal Trade Commission when they begin or stop using personalized algorithmic pricing.
- Exemptions: The rules do not apply to insurance or credit products, standard dynamic pricing without personal data, broad discount programs (such as for seniors or veterans), ride-share fare calculations based on location, certain location-based restrictions for taxes or availability, delivery distance/time differences, or one-time adjustments like complaint resolutions.
- Enforcement: Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC handles federal enforcement with its standard powers and penalties. State attorneys general may sue on behalf of residents for injunctions, damages, or other relief, after notifying the FTC.
- Reporting: The FTC must create a method for individuals to report violations within one year of enactment.
- Definitions: Key terms include "algorithm" (an automated computational process), "personal data" (information linked to a consumer or device), "personalized algorithmic pricing" (algorithm-driven unique prices based on personal data), and "dynamic pricing" (real-time market pricing without personal data).
- Effective date: The Act takes effect one year after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill adds new consumer disclosure and opt-out rights specific to algorithmic pricing that did not previously exist under federal law. It expands the FTC's authority by classifying these practices as violations of existing unfair or deceptive acts rules and grants states explicit parens patriae enforcement powers alongside federal action.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The FTC gains oversight of notifications and enforcement duties, plus a new violation reporting system. State governments receive authority to pursue civil actions.
- Citizens: Consumers gain information about pricing methods and the ability to avoid personalized pricing without penalty.
- International relations: No direct provisions affect foreign entities or relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Businesses and individuals selling goods or services online or in person.
- Consumers purchasing those goods or services.
- The Federal Trade Commission.
- State attorneys general and consumer protection agencies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation creates a new layer of federal and state oversight over private pricing decisions, treating algorithmic use of personal data as a potential unfair practice. It does not alter constitutional protections but strengthens consumer rights through disclosure mandates and enforcement mechanisms.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Shedding Light on Algorithms Setting Higher Prices Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (9 pages)