Summary:
FIX Credit Reporting Errors Act or the FIX Act - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the procedures followed by consumer reporting agencies when a consumer disputes the completeness or accuracy of information contained in the consumer's credit report.

Requires consumer reporting agencies to: (1) expand the dispute notification furnished to any person who provided disputed information to include all documentation provided by the consumer, and (2) consider such consumer documentation when conducting reinvestigations of disputed information.

Directs a consumer reporting agency that operates as reseller, if it receives notice from a consumer of a dispute concerning a report that the reseller produced but the reseller determines that the information is not incomplete or inaccurate as a result of an act or omission of the reseller, to convey the notice of the dispute, together with all relevant information and documentation provided by the consumer, to each consumer reporting agency that provided the reseller with the information that is the subject of the dispute.

fix act amends fair credit reporting act respect procedures followed consumer reporting agencies consumer disputes completeness accuracy information contained consumer credit report requires consumer reporting agencies expand dispute notification furnished person provided disputed information include documentation provided consumer consider consumer documentation conducting reinvestigations disputed information directs consumer reporting agency operates reseller receives notice consumer dispute concerning report reseller produced reseller determines information incomplete inaccurate result act omission reseller convey notice dispute relevant information documentation provided consumer consumer reporting agency provided reseller information subject dispute


Summary:
Tallying of the Actual Liabilities Act of 2013 or the TOTAL Act of 2013 - Prohibits a retailer under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from selling a product or service through an Internet website without presenting the total transaction amount it expects to collect from the potential purchaser (including all fees, taxes, and shipping and handling charges) before the person commits to the purchase.

Sets forth authority for: (1) the FTC to enforce a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, and (2) states to bring civil actions on behalf of residents threatened or adversely affected by such a violation.

actual liabilities act total act prohibits retailer jurisdiction federal_trade_commission ftc selling product service internet website presenting total transaction expects collect potential purchaser including fees taxes shipping handling charges person commits purchase sets forth authority ftc enforce violation act unfair deceptive act practice states bring civil actions behalf residents threatened adversely affected violation


Summary:
Prepaid Card Consumer Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to extend its coverage to spending accounts (deposit accounts) established by a consumer (or on a consumer's behalf) at an insured depository institution or credit union: (1) to which recurring electronic fund transfers may be made, at the consumer's direction; and (2) from which payments may be made, at the consumer's direction, through the use of a card, code, or device (commonly referred to as prepaid cards). Treats as a spending account any similar deposit account operated or managed by a financial institution, or any other person, whose funds: (1) are pooled with the funds of a person other than the one who established the account, or (2) are held in a name other than that of the person who established the account.

Excludes from the meaning of spending account: (1) a demand deposit, savings deposit, or other asset account (other than an occasional or incidental credit balance in an open end credit plan) established primarily for personal, family, or household purposes; (2) an account held by a financial institution pursuant to a bona fide trust agreement; (3) any nonreloadable general-use prepaid card in an amount under $250; and (4) any general-use prepaid card solely associated with a certain kind of health plan, a qualified transportation fringe, a health savings account or any other healthcare benefit account, a gift certificate, a store gift card, an electronic promise, plastic card, or payment code, or device, a nonreloadable card labeled as a gift card and marketed solely as such, or a nonreloadable loyalty, rebate, or promotional card.

Requires spending accounts to be structured to provide and maintain separate deposit insurance coverage for the funds of each consumer under applicable Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) regulations.

Requires any person that receives funds in connection with an electronic fund transfer to a spending account to: (1) transfer them, within one business day after funds are activated, to an account at an insured depository institution or credit union; and (2) credit the spending account in an amount equal to the amount of such funds.

Waives the requirement for providing a consumer with a periodic statement if a financial institution, among other things, provides the consumer with access to the account balance through a readily available telephone line, the Internet, text messaging, or at an electronic terminal or other device (ATM machine) that allows the consumer to make a balance inquiry. Prohibits the charging of fees for services required to meet these requirements, other than $1 for an optional written statement.

Specifies other fees which may and may not be charged in connection with a spending account.

 Prohibits any person from offering or providing a spending account that has a credit feature or that can be linked to a credit account that is automatically repaid from the spending account.

Requires spending accounts to be closed and any remaining funds to be refunded to the consumer: (1) if the account has been inactive for a specified period, and (2) upon a consumer's request that the account be closed.

Prohibits the issuance of cards or other means of access for receipt of electronic fund transfers of wages or government benefits unless the recipient has first been offered the option of receiving funds in a form selected from among a set of alternatives specified by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), including at least one option for direct deposit, cash, or check.

Directs the CFPB to establish an implementation plan and timeline for a prepaid card research study to determine if any differences exist for both the short- and long-term economic well-being of consumers at different income levels who use spending accounts versus those who use traditional bank accounts for their primary means of making financial transactions.

amends electronic fund transfer act extend coverage spending accounts deposit accounts established consumer consumer behalf insured depository institution credit union recurring electronic fund transfers consumer direction payments consumer direction use card code device commonly referred prepaid cards treats spending account similar deposit account operated managed financial institution person funds pooled funds person established account held person established account excludes meaning spending account demand deposit savings deposit asset account incidental credit balance open end credit plan established primarily personal family household purposes account held financial institution pursuant bona fide trust agreement nonreloadable general use prepaid card general use prepaid card solely associated certain kind health plan qualified transportation fringe health savings account healthcare benefit account gift certificate store gift card electronic promise plastic card payment code device nonreloadable card labeled gift card marketed solely nonreloadable loyalty rebate promotional card requires spending accounts structured provide maintain separate deposit insurance coverage funds consumer applicable federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic national_credit_union_administration ncua regulations requires person receives funds connection electronic fund transfer spending account transfer business day funds activated account insured depository institution credit union credit spending account equal funds waives requirement providing consumer periodic statement financial institution things provides consumer access account balance readily available telephone line internet text messaging electronic terminal device atm machine allows consumer balance inquiry prohibits charging fees services required meet requirements optional written statement specifies fees charged connection spending account prohibits person offering providing spending account credit feature linked credit account automatically repaid spending account requires spending accounts closed remaining funds refunded consumer account inactive specified period consumer request account closed prohibits issuance cards means access receipt electronic fund transfers wages government benefits recipient offered option receiving funds form selected set alternatives specified consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb including option direct deposit cash check directs cfpb establish implementation plan timeline prepaid card research study determine differences exist short- long term economic consumers different income levels use spending accounts versus use traditional bank accounts primary means making financial transactions


Summary: Allows the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), when sharing information obtained under the federal-state cooperation program with a foreign government agency for official law enforcement or consumer protection purposes, to authorize a foreign government agency to make that information available to another agency of the same foreign government (including a political subdivision of that foreign government that is located within the same territory or administrative area as the agency disclosing the information) if an appropriate official of the foreign government agency disclosing the information certifies (by prior agreement, memorandum of understanding with the CPSC, or other written certification) that it will establish and apply specified confidentiality restrictions under the Consumer Product Safety Act.

allows consumer product safety commission cpsc sharing information obtained federal state cooperation program foreign government agency official law enforcement consumer protection purposes authorize foreign government agency information available agency foreign government including political subdivision foreign government located territory administrative area agency disclosing information appropriate official foreign government agency disclosing information certifies prior agreement memorandum understanding cpsc written certification establish apply specified confidentiality restrictions consumer product safety act


Summary:
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to expand the prohibition against the manufacture, distribution, or importation of any children's toy or child care articles containing specified phthalates to include any children's products containing those chemicals. Expands also the list of prohibited phthalates.

Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to any component of a children's product (currently, only of a children's toy or child care article) that is not accessible to a child through normal and reasonably foreseeable use and abuse of that product.

amends consumer product safety improvement act expand prohibition manufacture distribution importation children toy child care articles containing specified phthalates include children products containing chemicals expands list prohibited phthalates declares prohibition shall apply component children product currently children toy child care article accessible child normal reasonably foreseeable use abuse product


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on September 17, 2014. The summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Sunscreen Innovation Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a process for the review and approval of over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen active ingredients.

Allows any person to request that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determine whether an OTC sunscreen active ingredient or combination of ingredients is safe and effective.

Requires the Secretary to review any request regarding a sunscreen active ingredient or combination of ingredients that has been in use and that is not included in the stayed sunscreen monograph published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Directs the Secretary to invite the sponsor of the request to provide data and other information on the safety and efficacy of the sunscreen active ingredient or combination of ingredients. Requires the Secretary to determine whether the provided information is sufficient to conduct a review, and if so, file the request, and if not, explain to the sponsor why the provided information is insufficient.

Requires the Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to complete a review of a filed request and determine the safety and efficacy of the sunscreen active ingredient or combination of ingredients within 300 days for new requests or a shorter timeframe for requests pending before enactment of this Act. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to make the determination if the Director does not make a determination in the allowed timeframe.

Allows sunscreen active ingredients that are determined to be safe and effective to be used in OTC sunscreen products.

Allows the Secretary to amend a determination if additional information becomes available.

(Sec. 3) Allows sponsors of eligible non-sunscreen OTC drug applications to request that the Secretary provide a framework for review of their application. Requires the Secretary to respond with framework options, including options that follow the review process set forth in this Act for sunscreen active ingredients. (Sec. 4) Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on the progress of the Secretary in establishing this process and the role of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs in issuing determinations on pending requests. Requires the Secretary to report on the decisions made about the safety and efficacy of sunscreen active ingredients, the amount of time between submission and decision for each request, the cost of the review process, and recommended improvements to the review process.

measure amended reported senate september summary senate passed version repeated sunscreen innovation act sec amends cosmetic act establish process review approval counter sunscreen active ingredients allows person request secretary health_and_human_services hhs determine sunscreen active ingredient combination ingredients safe effective requires secretary review request sunscreen active ingredient combination ingredients use included sunscreen published food_and_drug_administration fda directs secretary invite sponsor request provide data information safety efficacy sunscreen active ingredient combination ingredients requires secretary determine provided information sufficient conduct review file request explain sponsor provided information insufficient requires director center_for_drug_evaluation_and_research complete review filed request determine safety efficacy sunscreen active ingredient combination ingredients days new requests shorter timeframe requests pending enactment act directs commissioner food drugs determination director determination allowed timeframe allows sunscreen active ingredients determined safe effective sunscreen products allows secretary amend determination additional information available sec allows sponsors eligible non sunscreen drug applications request secretary provide framework review application requires secretary respond framework options including options follow review process set forth act sunscreen active ingredients sec directs comptroller general gao report progress secretary establishing process role commissioner food drugs issuing determinations pending requests requires secretary report decisions safety efficacy sunscreen active ingredients time submission decision request cost review process recommended improvements review process


Summary:
Consumer Financial Protection Commission Act of 2014 - Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, title X of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to replace the position of Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) with a five-member Commission whose members are appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Prohibits the Chair of the Commission from making requests for estimates related to appropriations without the prior approval of the Commission.

act amends consumer financial protection act title dodd frank wall street reform consumer protection act replace position director consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb member commission members appointed president advice consent senate prohibits chair commission making requests estimates related appropriations prior approval commission


Summary:
Safety Over Secrecy Act of 2014 - Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit courts, except when balancing confidentiality interests against public awareness interests in response to a party's motion, from approving or ordering the enforcement of any provision of a settlement agreement in a civil suit if: (1) a pleading in the suit alleges facts relevant to protecting the public from a hazard to public safety or health; and (2) the provision prohibits a party from disclosing settlement terms (other than the amount of any money paid under the settlement) or from discussing the suit, evidence produced in the suit, or the hazard to public safety or health.

Defines "hazard to public safety or health" as an activity, substance, or condition that has a potential to cause harm to the health or safety of the public.

Authorizes a court, upon a motion by a party to the settlement agreement, to approve or order enforcement of such a provision if: (1) the public interest in disclosure of facts relevant to protecting the public is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information or records, and (2) the requested order is no broader than necessary to protect such confidentiality.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting financial, medical, or other similar personal information relating to an identifiable individual outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Permits courts to redact language to accommodate personal privacy and public awareness.

Prohibits courts from approving or ordering the enforcement of a settlement agreement provision in a civil suit that includes allegations concerning public safety and health hazards if the provision restricts a party from disclosing such information to a federal or state agency with law enforcement or regulatory authority over related activity. Requires facts disclosed to a federal or state agency to be protected as confidential under any other laws, regulations, or agreements.

safety secrecy act amends federal judicial code prohibit courts balancing confidentiality interests public awareness interests response party motion approving ordering enforcement provision settlement agreement civil suit pleading suit alleges facts relevant protecting public hazard public safety health provision prohibits party disclosing settlement terms money paid settlement discussing suit evidence produced suit hazard public safety health defines hazard public safety health activity substance condition potential cause harm health safety public authorizes court motion party settlement agreement approve order enforcement provision public interest disclosure facts relevant protecting public outweighed specific substantial interest maintaining confidentiality information records requested order broader necessary protect confidentiality establishes rebuttable presumption interest protecting financial medical similar personal information relating identifiable individual outweighs public interest disclosure permits courts redact language accommodate personal privacy public awareness prohibits courts approving ordering enforcement settlement agreement provision civil suit includes allegations concerning public safety health hazards provision restricts party disclosing information federal state agency law enforcement regulatory authority related activity requires facts disclosed federal state agency protected confidential laws regulations agreements


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2014 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a rule requiring liquid nicotine containers to be designed with special packaging that is difficult for children under five years of age to open or to obtain harmful contents from.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated child nicotine poisoning prevention act directs consumer product safety commission cpsc promulgate rule requiring liquid nicotine containers designed special packaging difficult children years age open obtain harmful contents


Summary:
Caller ID Scam Prevention Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition on the provision of inaccurate caller identification information (which makes it unlawful to cause a caller identification service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value) to persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States.

Revises the definitions of "caller identification information" and "caller identification service" to include text messages sent using a text messaging service.

Defines "text message" as real-time or near real-time messages consisting of text, images, sounds, or other information transmitted from or received by a device identified by a telephone number. Excludes from such definition a real-time, two-way voice or video communication.

Expands the categories of IP-enabled voice services that are subject to such prohibition to include services with interconnection capability, whether part of a bundle of services or separately, that can originate traffic to the public switched telephone network.

amends communications act expand prohibition provision inaccurate caller identification information makes unlawful cause caller identification service knowingly transmit misleading inaccurate caller identification information intent defraud cause harm wrongfully obtain value persons outside united_states recipient united_states revises definitions caller identification information caller identification service include text messages sent text messaging service defines text message real time near real time messages consisting text images sounds information transmitted received device identified telephone number excludes definition real time way voice video communication expands categories enabled voice services subject prohibition include services interconnection capability bundle services separately originate traffic public telephone network


Summary:
Children and Firefighters Protection Act of 2014 - Prohibits manufacturers, distributors, or retailers from selling, manufacturing for sale, distributing in commerce, or importing into the United States any children's product or upholstered furniture that contains a flame retardant exceeding a specified amount of the total chemical content by weight for any part of the product or furniture. Specifies flame retardants that are subject to such prohibitions.

Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to appoint a chronic hazard advisory panel to study the effects on human health of all chemical flame retardants as used in such products or upholstered furniture.

Directs the CPSC, after receiving a report from the advisory panel evaluating the full range of such retardants, to promulgate a final rule specifying retardants that are not already listed in this Act that may cause substantial personal injury or illness. Makes such CPSC-specified retardants subject to the prohibitions of this Act.

prohibits manufacturers distributors retailers selling manufacturing sale distributing commerce importing united_states children product furniture contains flame retardant exceeding specified total chemical content weight product furniture specifies flame subject prohibitions requires consumer product safety commission cpsc appoint chronic hazard advisory panel study effects human health chemical flame products furniture directs cpsc receiving report advisory panel evaluating range promulgate final rule specifying listed act cause substantial personal injury illness makes cpsc specified subject prohibitions act


Summary:
Phone Scam Prevention Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require voice communications service providers to offer subscribers the option to designate a list of approved telephone numbers for which calls originating from those numbers are permitted to connect directly with the subscriber's telephone and other customer premises equipment.

 Requires providers to ensure that any call for termination that is not from a number on the subscriber's list is processed according to the subscriber's preferences, including by limiting or disabling the ability of an incoming call to connect with the subscriber's equipment.

Exempts government and public interest calls from being subject to a subscriber's preferences.

Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop authentication standards for providers to validate caller information so that subscribers may obtain secure assurances of a call's origin, including the calling party's number and identification.

Extends the prohibition on the provision of inaccurate caller identification information to persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States.

Expands the definition "caller identification information" to include text messages.

Revises caller identification requirements to make standards applicable to voice communications using resources from the North American Numbering Plan (currently, the requirements apply to telecommunications or IP-enabled voice services).

phone scam prevention act amends communications act require voice communications service providers offer subscribers option designate list approved telephone numbers calls originating numbers permitted connect directly subscriber telephone customer premises equipment requires providers ensure termination number subscriber list processed according subscriber preferences including limiting disabling ability incoming connect subscriber equipment exempts government public interest calls subject subscriber preferences requires federal_communications_commission fcc develop authentication standards providers validate caller information subscribers obtain secure assurances origin including calling party number identification extends prohibition provision inaccurate caller identification information persons outside united_states recipient united_states expands definition caller identification information include text messages revises caller identification requirements standards applicable voice communications resources currently requirements apply telecommunications enabled voice services


Summary:
Do Not Disturb Act of 2014 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to expand the list of entities prohibited from making telephone calls to numbers on the FTC's "do-not-call" registry to include: (1) political committees that accept donations or contributions that do not comply with contribution limits or source prohibitions (commonly known as Super PACs), and (2) tax exempt non-profit social welfare organizations engaged in political activities.

Requires the FTC to expand rules against abusive telemarking to prohibit: (1) computer-dialed telephone calls with prerecorded messages (robo-calls) to numbers on the registry, and (2) push-polling calls regarding a candidate for public office in which voters are asked certain questions about opposing candidates or are likely to construe the call as a survey for an independent organization.

Provides exceptions to allow robo-calls for emergencies or with the consent of the called party.

directs federal_trade_commission ftc expand list entities prohibited making telephone calls numbers ftc registry include political committees accept donations contributions comply contribution limits source prohibitions commonly known super pacs tax exempt non profit social welfare organizations engaged political activities requires ftc expand rules abusive prohibit computer telephone calls prerecorded messages robo calls numbers registry polling calls candidate public office voters asked certain questions opposing candidates likely survey independent organization provides exceptions allow robo calls emergencies consent called party


Summary:
Robocall Enforcement Improvements Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to impose forfeiture penalties without first sending a citation regarding the charged violation against persons not licensed by the FCC who violate prohibitions on the use of automated telephone equipment. (Currently, if existing exceptions do not apply, forfeiture penalties may not be imposed unless the person is sent a citation prior to a notice of apparent liability and that person subsequently engages in the same type of conduct described in the citation.)

Expands the statute of limitations period and increases the maximum forfeiture penalty applicable to non-licensed automated telephone equipment violations.

Expands prohibitions on the provision of inaccurate caller identification information to persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States.

Directs providers of spoofing services to take such steps as the FCC may prescribe to verify that users do not engage in caller identification information violations. Defines "spoofing service" as a service that substitutes, or permits a user to substitute, another name or any number for display as the caller identification information for a call or text message.

Requires the FCC to impose recordkeeping and reporting obligations on spoofing service providers. Authorizes the FCC to subpoena caller identification information transmitted by a subscriber to or customer of the spoofing service.

Expands the definition "caller identification information" to include text messages.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) telecommunications carriers have the legal authority to offer consumers services that block or filter robocalls, and (2) the federal government should encourage telecommunications carriers to develop and implement such services.

amends communications act authorize federal_communications_commission fcc impose forfeiture penalties sending citation charged violation persons licensed fcc violate prohibitions use automated telephone equipment currently existing exceptions apply forfeiture penalties imposed person sent citation prior notice apparent liability person subsequently engages type conduct described citation expands statute limitations period increases maximum forfeiture penalty applicable non licensed automated telephone equipment violations expands prohibitions provision inaccurate caller identification information persons outside united_states recipient united_states directs providers spoofing services steps fcc prescribe verify users engage caller identification information violations defines spoofing service service substitutes permits user substitute number display caller identification information text message requires fcc impose recordkeeping reporting obligations spoofing service providers authorizes fcc subpoena caller identification information transmitted subscriber customer spoofing service expands definition caller identification information include text messages expresses sense congress telecommunications carriers legal authority offer consumers services block filter robocalls federal government encourage telecommunications carriers develop implement services


Summary:
Dangerous Products Warning Act

Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 5 years on any business entity or product supervisor with respect to a product or business practice who knows of a serious danger associated with such product or business practice and knowingly fails within 15 days after discovering such danger to inform an appropriate federal agency in writing, warn affected employees in writing, and inform other affected individuals.  Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to 1 year on any individual who intentionally discriminates against an employee who informs a federal agency or warns employees of a serious danger associated with a product or business practice.

dangerous products warning act amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years business entity product supervisor respect product business practice knows danger associated product business practice knowingly fails days discovering danger inform appropriate federal agency writing warn affected employees writing inform affected individuals imposes fine prison term year individual intentionally discriminates employee informs federal agency employees danger associated product business practice


Summary:
Firearm Safety Act of 2015

Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to remove from the definition of "consumer product" the exclusion for any article sold by a manufacturer, producer, or importer that would be subject to a firearms sales tax under the Internal Revenue Code for pistols, revolvers, and other firearms, including shells and cartridges, thereby permitting the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue safety standards for such articles.

firearm safety act amends consumer product safety act remove definition consumer product exclusion article sold manufacturer producer importer subject firearms sales tax internal revenue code pistols firearms including shells permitting consumer_product_safety_commission issue safety standards articles


Summary:
Better On-line Ticket Sales Act of 2014 or the BOTS Act

Prohibits: (1) intentionally using or selling software to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other control or measure on a ticket seller's Internet website that is used by the seller to ensure equitable consumer access to tickets for any given event; or (2) selling any ticket in interstate commerce knowingly obtained in violation of such prohibition.

Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes a person who suffers injury as a result of a violation of this Act to bring a civil action for damages plus $1,000 for each distinct use or sale of software, or sale of a ticket, that caused such injury and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Amends the federal criminal code to prescribe criminal penalties for such an offense.

better line ticket sales act act prohibits intentionally selling software circumvent security measure access control system control measure ticket seller internet website seller ensure equitable consumer access tickets given event selling ticket interstate commerce knowingly obtained violation prohibition treats violation unfair deceptive act practice federal_trade_commission_act authorizes person suffers injury result violation act bring civil action damages plus distinct use sale software sale ticket caused injury reasonable attorneys fees amends federal criminal code prescribe criminal penalties offense


Summary:
Robo Calls Off Phones Act or the Robo COP Act

Directs the Federal Trade Commission to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

Defines a "politically-oriented recorded message telephone call" as an outbound telephone call that plays a recorded message that: (1) promotes, advertises, campaigns, or solicits donations for or against a political candidate or regarding a political issue; or (2) uses a political candidate's name.

robo calls phones act robo cop act directs federal_trade_commission revise registry provisions telemarketing_sales_rule prohibit politically oriented recorded message telephone calls telephone numbers listed registry defines politically oriented recorded message telephone outbound telephone plays recorded message promotes campaigns solicits donations political candidate political issue uses political candidate


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection-Inspector General Reform Act of 2015 or the CFPB-IG Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to repeal the authority of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to appoint the Inspector General of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

(Sec. 3) The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is amended to create an Inspector General for the CFPB.

Within 60 days after enactment of this bill, the President must appoint a CFPB Inspector General.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure general reform_act cfpb act sec bill amends inspector general act repeal authority chairman board_of_governors federal_reserve_system appoint inspector general consumer financial protection bureau cfpb sec dodd frank wall street reform consumer protection act amended create inspector general cfpb days enactment bill president appoint


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Retail Investor Protection Act

 (Sec. 2) Prohibits the Secretary of Labor from prescribing any regulation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) defining the circumstances under which an individual is considered a fiduciary until 60 days after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issues a final rule governing standards of conduct for brokers and dealers under specified law.

(Sec. 3) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit the SEC from promulgating a rule establishing an investment advisor standard of conduct as the standard of conduct of brokers and dealers before it reports to certain congressional committees whether:

 retail investors and other customers are being harmed due to brokers or dealers operating under different standards of conduct than those applicable to investment advisors under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; alternative remedies will reduce any confusion or harm to retail investors due to brokers or dealers operating under such different standards of conduct; adoption of a uniform fiduciary standard of conduct for brokers or dealers and investment advisors would adversely impact their commissions and the availability of proprietary products offered by brokers and dealers, as well as the ability of brokers and dealers to engage in principal transactions with customers; and adoption of a uniform fiduciary standard of conduct for brokers or dealers and investment advisors would adversely impact retail investor access to personalized, cost-effective investment advice and recommendations. Requires the SEC: (1) to publish in the Federal Register formal findings that such rule would reduce retail customer confusion or harm due to standards of conduct applicable to brokers, dealers, and investment advisors; and (2) in proposing rules to consider the differences in the registration, supervision, and examination requirements applicable to brokers, dealers, and investment advisors.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated retail investor protection act sec prohibits secretary labor prescribing regulation employee retirement income security act erisa defining circumstances individual considered fiduciary days securities_and_exchange_commission sec issues final rule governing standards conduct brokers dealers specified law sec amends securities exchange act prohibit sec promulgating rule establishing investment advisor standard conduct standard conduct brokers dealers reports certain congressional committees retail investors customers harmed brokers dealers operating different standards conduct applicable investment advisors investment advisers act alternative remedies reduce confusion harm retail investors brokers dealers operating different standards conduct adoption uniform fiduciary standard conduct brokers dealers investment advisors adversely impact commissions availability proprietary products offered brokers dealers ability brokers dealers engage principal transactions customers adoption uniform fiduciary standard conduct brokers dealers investment advisors adversely impact retail investor access personalized cost effective investment advice recommendations requires sec publish federal_register formal findings rule reduce retail customer confusion harm standards conduct applicable brokers dealers investment advisors proposing rules consider differences registration supervision examination requirements applicable brokers dealers investment advisors


Summary:
Detergent Poisoning And Child Safety Act of 2015 or the Detergent PACS Act of 2015

Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish safety standards for liquid detergent packets to protect children who are younger than five years of age from injury or illness.

 Directs the CPSC to establish such standards by promulgating a rule or adopting voluntary ASTM International standards.

Provides for any final rule that is promulgated to include: (1) requirements for special packaging and warning labels, (2) standards to make the color and design of packets less attractive to children, and (3) liquid composition standards to make the consequences of exposure less severe.

Requires the rule or standards to be treated as consumer product safety standards under the Consumer Product Safety Act.

detergent poisoning child safety act detergent pacs act requires consumer product safety commission cpsc establish safety standards liquid detergent packets protect children younger years age injury illness directs cpsc establish standards promulgating rule adopting voluntary astm_international standards provides final rule promulgated include requirements special packaging warning labels standards color design packets children liquid composition standards consequences exposure severe requires rule standards treated consumer product safety standards consumer product safety act


Summary:
We Are Watching You Act of 2015

Prohibits an operator of a video service from collecting visual or auditory information from the vicinity of the device used to display the video programming stream to the consumer unless the operator: (1) displays, as part of the stream, a message that reads, "We are watching you"; and (2) describes to the consumer the types of information that will be collected and how such information will be used.

Requires the description of information collection to be provided: (1) as part of the terms and conditions to which the consumer must agree before using the video service; and (2) in the case of a video service accessed through a device sold or provided to the consumer by the operator, as part of the written instructions and other materials accompanying such device.

Directs operators to offer an alternative video service that does not involve the collection of such information but is otherwise identical. Requires any devices provided in connection with such alternative service to be incapable of collecting such information.

Allows operators to disclose such information only with the express consent of the consumer or as required by a court order in connection with a law enforcement investigation.

Requires violations of this Act to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

act prohibits operator video service collecting visual auditory information vicinity device display video programming stream consumer operator displays stream message describes consumer types information collected information requires description information collection provided terms conditions consumer agree video service case video service accessed device sold provided consumer operator written instructions materials accompanying device directs operators offer alternative video service involve collection information identical requires devices provided connection alternative service incapable collecting information allows operators disclose information express consent consumer required court order connection law enforcement investigation requires violations act treated unfair deceptive acts practices federal_trade_commission_act


Summary:
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act

 (Sec. 2) Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to direct the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to establish a Small Business Advisory Board to: (1) advise and consult with the CFPB in the exercise of its functions under the federal consumer financial laws regarding eligible financial products or services, and (2) provide information on evolving small business practices.

Requires Board members to be representatives of small business concerns that:

 provide financial products or services for use by consumers primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, are service providers to covered persons; and use consumer financial products or services in financing the business activities of such small businesses. Requires the Director, in making such Board appointments, to include members representing minority-, women-, and veteran-owned small business concerns and their interests, without regard to party affiliation.

Requires the Director to establish a Credit Union Advisory Council and a Community Bank Advisory Council to advise and consult with the CFPB on consumer financial products or services that impact credit unions and community banks, respectively.

 Directs the Director, in making appointments to the Councils, to include members representing credit unions and community banks predominantly serving traditionally underserved communities and populations and their interests, without regard to party affiliation.

(Sec. 3) Prohibits the Director from requesting funds: (1) during FY 2020 in an amount that would exceed $655 million, and (2) during FY 2025 in an amount that would exceed $720 million.

sec amends consumer financial protection act direct director consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb establish advise consult cfpb exercise functions federal consumer financial laws eligible financial products services provide information evolving small business practices members representatives small business concerns provide financial products services use consumers primarily personal family household purposes service providers covered persons use consumer financial products services financing business activities small businesses requires director making board appointments include members representing women- veteran owned small business concerns interests regard party affiliation requires director establish advise consult cfpb consumer financial products services impact credit unions community banks respectively directs director making appointments councils include members representing credit unions community banks predominantly serving traditionally underserved communities populations interests regard party affiliation sec prohibits director requesting funds exceed million exceed million


Summary:
Innocent Sellers Fairness Act

Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller:

 the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product; the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent.

innocent sellers fairness act exempts lawful seller liability personal injury monetary loss damage property arising accident transaction involving seller products claimant proves following activities seller seller manufacturer participated design installation product seller altered modified expressly warranted product manner authorized manufacturer seller actual knowledge defect product result recall manufacturer governmental entity authorized recall actual inspection time seller sold product claimant seller actual knowledge defect product time seller supplied product seller intentionally altered modified product warranty warning instruction manufacturer way authorized manufacturer seller knowingly false representation aspect product authorized manufacturer limits seller liability personal injury monetary loss damage property directly caused activity claimant proves activities negligent


Summary:
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Accountability Act of 2015

This bill amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to eliminate provisions that fund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) using transfers from the earnings of the Federal Reserve System. The transfers under current law permit the CFPB to be funded outside of the annual appropriations process, and this bill brings the CFPB into the regular process.

bill amends consumer_financial_protection_act eliminate provisions fund consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb transfers earnings federal_reserve_system transfers current law permit cfpb funded outside annual appropriations process bill brings cfpb regular process


Summary:
Consumer Right to Financial Privacy Act of 2015

 Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to revise the prohibition against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)'s obtaining, from a covered person or service provider, any personally identifiable financial information about a consumer.

Prohibits the CFPB, in addition, from requesting, accessing, collecting, using, retaining, or disclosing nonpublic personal information about a consumer unless: (1) the CFPB clearly and conspicuously discloses to the consumer, in writing or in an electronic form, what information will be requested, obtained, accessed, collected, used, retained, or disclosed; and (2) the consumer informs the CFPB, before such information is requested, obtained, accessed, collected, used, retained, or disclosed, that such information may be requested, obtained, accessed, collected, used, retained, or disclosed.

 Subjects to the same restrictions and conditions to any person directed or engaged by the CFPB to collect such information on its behalf.

Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to repeal the exemption from its application for CFPB examination or disclosure of financial records or information in the exercise of CFPB authority with respect to a financial institution (thus applying the Act to CFPB examinations and disclosures).

consumer right financial privacy act amends dodd frank wall street reform consumer protection act revise prohibition consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb obtaining covered person service provider personally identifiable financial information consumer prohibits cfpb addition requesting accessing collecting retaining disclosing nonpublic personal information consumer cfpb clearly conspicuously discloses consumer writing electronic form information requested obtained accessed collected retained disclosed consumer informs cfpb information requested obtained accessed collected retained disclosed information requested obtained accessed collected retained disclosed subjects restrictions conditions person directed engaged cfpb collect information behalf amends right financial privacy act repeal exemption application cfpb examination disclosure financial records information exercise cfpb authority respect financial institution applying act cfpb examinations disclosures


Summary:
Consumer Financial Protection Safety and Soundness Improvement Act of 2015

 Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to authorize the Chairperson of the Financial Stability Oversight Council to issue a stay of, or set aside, any regulation issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) upon the affirmative vote of the majority of Council members (currently, two-thirds), excluding the Director of the Bureau.

Requires the Council, upon the petition of a member agency of the Council, to set aside a final regulation prescribed by the CFPB if the Council decides that such regulation is inconsistent with the safe and sound operations of U.S. financial institutions. (Currently the Council is merely authorized, upon petition, to set aside a final regulation if it would put the safety and soundness of the U.S. banking system or the stability of the U.S. financial system at risk.)

Repeals: (1) the prohibition against Council set-aside of a regulation after expiration of a specified time period, and (2) mandatory dismissal of a petition if the Council has not issued a decision within such time period.

Requires the CFPB Director, when prescribing a rule under federal consumer financial laws, to consider its impact upon the financial safety or soundness of an insured depository institution.

soundness improvement act amends consumer financial protection act authorize chairperson financial stability oversight council issue stay set aside regulation issued consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb affirmative vote majority council members currently thirds excluding director bureau requires council petition member agency council set aside final regulation prescribed cfpb council decides regulation inconsistent safe sound operations financial institutions currently council merely authorized petition set aside final regulation safety soundness banking system stability financial system risk repeals prohibition council set aside regulation expiration specified time period mandatory dismissal petition council issued decision time period requires cfpb director prescribing rule federal consumer financial laws consider impact financial safety soundness insured depository institution


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Bureau Advisory Commission Transparency Act

(Sec. 2) Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to declare the Federal Advisory Committee Act applicable to each advisory committee and subcommittee of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure transparency act sec amends consumer financial protection act declare federal_advisory_committee act applicable advisory committee subcommittee consumer_financial_protection_bureau


Summary:
Financial Product Safety Commission Act of 2015

This bill amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to remove the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from the Federal Reserve System and instead establish an independent Financial Product Safety Commission (FPSC) to regulate the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services.

The FPSC shall be composed of five members serving staggered five-year terms who are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Not more than three members shall be of any one political party.

The President must appoint a chair of the FPSC from among its members.

The bill prohibits the chair from submitting requests for estimates related to appropriations without prior commission approval.

bill amends consumer_financial_protection_act remove consumer_financial_protection_bureau federal_reserve_system instead establish independent regulate offering provision consumer financial products services shall composed members serving staggered year terms appointed president advice consent senate members shall political party president appoint chair members bill prohibits chair submitting requests estimates related appropriations prior commission approval


Summary:
Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015

Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a rule requiring liquid nicotine containers to be designed with special packaging that is difficult for children under five years of age to open or to obtain harmful contents from.

Requires the rule to be treated as a standard applicable to a household substance under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970.

child nicotine poisoning prevention act directs consumer product safety commission promulgate rule requiring liquid nicotine containers designed special packaging difficult children years age open obtain harmful contents requires rule treated standard applicable household substance poison_prevention_packaging_act


Summary:
Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act of 2015 or the JOLT Act of 2015

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to admit into the United States a qualifying Canadian citizen over 50 years old and spouse for a period not to exceed 240 days (in a single 365-day period) if the person maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay.

Revises the secure travel partnership program (the visa waiver program as renamed by this Act) to: (1) authorize DHS to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions.

 Expresses the sense of Congress that DHS should, in evaluating countries participating in the secure travel partnership program, give review priority to countries where circumstances indicate that such a review is necessary or desirable.

Directs the Department of State to require U.S. diplomatic and consular missions to: (1) conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously, consistent with national security requirements and in recognition of resource allocation considerations; and (2) set a goal of interviewing 90% of all nonimmigrant visa applicants, worldwide, within 10 days of application receipt.

Directs the State Department to: (1) develop and conduct a pilot program for processing visas using secure remote videoconferencing technology, and (2) seek to coordinate enrollment and interview processes for individuals eligible for both a U.S. visa and enrollment in the Global Entry program.

 Requires an alien at the time of application for U.S. entry under the secure travel partnership program to have a valid, unexpired electronic passport that incorporates biometric and document authentication identifiers that comply with internationally accepted practices.

jobs originated launching travel act jolt act amends immigration nationality act authorize department_of_homeland_security dhs admit united_states qualifying canadian citizen years old spouse period exceed days single day period person maintains canadian residence owns residence rented accommodation duration stay revises secure travel partnership program visa waiver program renamed act authorize dhs designate country program country adjust visa refusal rate criteria including addition maximum overstay rate revise probationary termination provisions expresses sense congress dhs evaluating countries participating secure travel partnership program review priority countries circumstances indicate review necessary desirable directs department_of_state require diplomatic consular missions conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously consistent national security requirements recognition resource allocation considerations set goal interviewing nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide days application receipt directs state_department develop conduct pilot program processing visas secure remote videoconferencing technology seek coordinate enrollment interview processes individuals eligible visa enrollment program requires alien time application entry secure travel partnership program valid unexpired electronic passport incorporates biometric document authentication identifiers comply internationally accepted practices


Summary:
End Discriminatory State Taxes for Automobile Renters Act of 2015

This bill prohibits a state or locality from levying or collecting a discriminatory tax on the rental of motor vehicles, the business of renting motor vehicles, or motor vehicle rental property, except where such tax is imposed as of the enactment date of this Act, the tax does not lapse, the tax rate does not increase, and the tax base for such tax does not change.

A tax is considered discriminatory if it is applicable to the rental of motor vehicles or to motor vehicle businesses or property, but not to the majority of other rentals of tangible personal property or businesses within a state or locality.

The bill allows a person who is aggrieved by a discriminatory tax to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages, injunctive relief, other legal or equitable relief, or declaratory relief.

end bill prohibits state locality levying collecting discriminatory tax rental motor vehicles business renting motor vehicles motor vehicle rental property tax imposed enactment date act tax lapse tax rate increase tax base tax change tax considered discriminatory applicable rental motor vehicles motor vehicle businesses property majority rentals tangible personal property businesses state locality bill allows person aggrieved discriminatory tax bring civil action district court damages injunctive relief legal equitable relief declaratory relief


Summary:
Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health to provide for the conduct or support of research on the extent to which components (including contaminants and substances used as fragrances, colorants, dyes, and preservatives) in feminine hygiene products pose any risks to the health of women or the health of the children of women who use those products during or before the pregnancies involved.

hygiene product safety act amends public_health_service_act require national_institutes_of_health provide conduct support research extent components including contaminants substances dyes hygiene products pose risks health women health children women use products pregnancies involved


Summary:
Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act

 (Sec. 2) Declares without force or effect Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Bulletin 2013-02 (Indirect Auto Lending and Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act), published March 21, 2013.

(Sec. 3) Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to direct the CFPB, when proposing and issuing guidance primarily related to indirect auto financing, to:

 provide for a public notice and comment period before issuing the guidance in final form; make publicly available all information relied on by the CFPB; redact any information exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; consult with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Justice; and study the costs and impacts of the guidance to consumers and women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses, including consumers and small businesses in rural areas.

reforming cfpb indirect auto financing guidance act sec declares force effect consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb equal_credit_opportunity_act published march sec amends consumer financial protection act direct cfpb proposing issuing guidance primarily related indirect auto financing provide public notice comment period issuing guidance final form publicly available information relied cfpb redact information exempt disclosure freedom information act consult board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_trade_commission department_of_justice study costs impacts guidance consumers women owned minority owned veteran owned small businesses including consumers small businesses rural areas


Summary:
Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the nutritional information that chain restaurants and retail food establishments must disclose. The nutrient content disclosure statement on the menu or menu board must include: (1) the number of calories contained in the whole menu item; (2) the number of servings and number of calories per serving; or (3) the number of calories per common unit of the item, such as for a multi-serving item that is typically divided before presentation to the consumer. Nutritional information may be provided solely by a remote-access menu (e.g., an Internet menu) for food establishments where the majority of orders are placed by customers who are off premises.

Establishments with self-serve food may comply with the requirements for restaurants or place signs with nutritional information adjacent to each food item.

Reasonable variations in the actual nutrient content of items are permissible, including variations in serving size or ingredients or variations due to inadvertent human error.

Establishments with standard menu items that come in different flavors, varieties, or combinations, that are listed as a single menu item can determine and disclose nutritional information using specified methods or methods allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Regulations pursuant to this Act cannot take effect earlier than two years after final regulations are promulgated.

The FDA must give establishments in violation of nutritional labeling requirements 90 days to correct violations.

The FDA may no longer allow states or localities to vary from federal nutritional labeling requirements for chain restaurants.

(Sec. 3) Restaurants and retail food establishments are not liable in a civil action for claims regarding federal or state nutritional labeling requirements unless the action is brought by the United States or a state.

common sense nutrition disclosure act sec bill amends cosmetic act revise nutritional information chain restaurants retail food establishments disclose nutrient content disclosure statement menu menu board include number calories contained menu item number number calories serving number calories common unit item multi serving item typically divided presentation consumer nutritional information provided solely remote access menu internet menu food establishments majority orders placed customers premises establishments self serve food comply requirements restaurants place signs nutritional information adjacent food item reasonable variations actual nutrient content items permissible including variations serving size ingredients variations inadvertent human error establishments standard menu items come different flavors combinations listed single menu item determine disclose nutritional information specified methods methods allowed food_and_drug_administration fda regulations pursuant act effect earlier years final regulations promulgated fda establishments violation nutritional labeling requirements days correct violations fda longer allow states localities vary federal nutritional labeling requirements chain restaurants sec restaurants retail food establishments liable civil action claims federal state nutritional labeling requirements action brought united_states state


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Child Support Assistance Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to the permissible purposes of consumer reports, to authorize a consumer reporting agency to furnish a consumer report in response to a request by the head of a state or local child support enforcement agency (or an authorized state or local government official), if the requester certifies that the report is needed for enforcing a child support order, award, agreement, or judgment.

Repeals the requirement for 10 days' prior notice to a consumer whose report is requested.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure child support assistance act sec amends fair credit reporting act respect permissible purposes consumer reports authorize consumer reporting agency furnish consumer report response request head state local child support enforcement agency authorized state local government official requester certifies report needed enforcing child support order award agreement judgment repeals requirement days prior notice consumer report requested


Summary:
Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to develop a model form for a disclosure notice to be used by depository institutions and credit unions to inform consumers before they open a checking account.

Exempts from the requirement to use such a form any depository institutions or credit unions with total assets of less than $2 billion.

amends consumer financial protection act require consumer_financial_protection_bureau develop model form disclosure notice depository institutions credit unions inform consumers open checking account exempts requirement use form depository institutions credit unions total assets billion


Summary:
Consumer Review Freedom Act of 2015

Declares a provision of a form contract to be void from the inception if it: (1) prohibits or restricts a person who is a party to the contract from engaging in written, verbal, or pictorial reviews, or other similar performance assessments or analyses of, the products, services, or conduct of a business that is a party to the contract; (2) imposes penalties or fees against persons who engage in such communications; or (3) transfers or requires the individual to transfer any intellectual property rights in any such otherwise lawful communications about the person or the goods or services provided by the person or business. (Thus, bars certain contract provisions that prohibit consumers from commenting publicly about businesses.)

Sets forth exceptions under which a provision shall not be considered void under this Act if the provision prohibits disclosure of certain: (1) trade secrets or commercial or financial information, (2) personnel and medical files, or (3) law enforcement records.

Provides for this Act to be inapplicable to contracts establishing an employer-employee or independent contractor relationship.

Prohibits businesses from offering or entering into form contracts containing a provision that is considered void under this Act. Sets forth authority for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and state attorneys general to enforce such prohibition.

Requires DOJ to bring an action against any business that violates such prohibition for civil penalty of not more than $16,000 for each day that the business requires the use of such a form contract by a distinct person.

consumer review freedom act declares provision form contract void inception prohibits restricts person party contract engaging written verbal reviews similar performance assessments analyses products services conduct business party contract imposes penalties fees persons engage communications transfers requires individual transfer intellectual property rights lawful communications person goods services provided person business bars certain contract provisions prohibit consumers publicly businesses sets forth exceptions provision shall considered void act provision prohibits disclosure certain trade secrets commercial financial information personnel medical files law enforcement records provides act inapplicable contracts establishing employer employee independent contractor relationship prohibits businesses offering entering form contracts containing provision considered void act sets forth authority department_of_justice doj state attorneys general enforce prohibition requires doj bring action business violates prohibition civil penalty day business requires use form contract distinct person


Summary:
This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a program to evaluate the potential use of evidence from clinical experience to support the approval of a new indication for an approved drug and to support post-approval study requirements.

"Evidence from clinical experience" means data from sources other than randomized clinical trials, including from observational studies, registries, and therapeutic use.

Before implementing the program, the FDA must establish a draft framework for the program that describes current sources of data from clinical experience, gaps in current data collection activities, standards and methodologies for collection and analysis of data from clinical experience, and priority areas, remaining challenges, and potential pilot opportunities that the program will address.

The FDA must use the program to inform guidance to industry on the collection and use of evidence from clinical experience.

bill amends cosmetic act require food_and_drug_administration fda establish program evaluate potential use evidence clinical experience support approval new indication approved drug support post approval study requirements evidence clinical experience means data sources randomized clinical trials including observational studies registries therapeutic use implementing program fda establish draft framework program describes current sources data clinical experience gaps current data collection activities standards methodologies collection analysis data clinical experience priority areas remaining challenges potential pilot opportunities program address fda use program inform guidance industry collection use evidence clinical experience


Summary:
Seniors Fraud Prevention Act of 2015

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish an office within the Bureau of Consumer Protection to advise the FTC on the prevention of fraud targeting seniors and to assist the FTC in monitoring the market for mail, television, Internet, telemarketing, and recorded message telephone call (robocall) fraud targeting seniors.

Requires the FTC, through such office, to: (1) disseminate to seniors and their families and caregivers information on the most common fraud schemes, including methods of reporting complaints either to the FTC's national toll-free telephone number or to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network, where complaints become immediately available to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, state attorneys general, and other appropriate law enforcement agencies; (2) provide, in response to a specific request about a particular entity or individual, publicly available information regarding the FTC's enforcement action; and (3) maintain a website as a resource for information on fraud targeting seniors.

Directs the FTC to establish procedures through such office to: (1) log and acknowledge the receipt of complaints by individuals who believe they have been a victim of such fraud in the Consumer Sentinel Network and to make such complaints immediately available to federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities; and (2) provide individuals with information on such fraud as well as the most common schemes.

seniors fraud prevention act directs federal_trade_commission ftc establish office advise ftc prevention fraud targeting seniors assist ftc monitoring market mail television internet telemarketing recorded message telephone robocall fraud targeting seniors requires ftc office disseminate seniors families caregivers information common fraud schemes including methods reporting complaints ftc national toll free telephone number ftc complaints immediately available federal_bureau_of_investigation state attorneys general appropriate law enforcement agencies provide response specific request particular entity individual publicly available information ftc enforcement action maintain website resource information fraud targeting seniors directs ftc establish procedures office log acknowledge receipt complaints individuals believe victim fraud complaints immediately available federal state local law enforcement authorities provide individuals information fraud common schemes


Summary:
Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2015

This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to furnish to a consumer reporting agency information relating to the performance of a consumer in making payments: (1) under a lease agreement for a dwelling, including a lease in which HUD provides subsidized payments; or (2) pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service.

Information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications services may be furnished to a consumer reporting agency only to the extent that such information relates to payment by the consumer for such services or other terms of the provision of such services, including any deposit, discount, or conditions for interruption or termination of service.

An energy utility firm may not report payment information to a consumer reporting agency with respect to an outstanding balance of a consumer as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of such plan.

bill amends fair credit reporting act authorize person department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud furnish consumer reporting agency information relating performance consumer making payments lease agreement dwelling including lease hud provides subsidized payments pursuant contract utility telecommunications service information consumer usage utility telecommunications services furnished consumer reporting agency extent information relates payment consumer services terms provision services including deposit discount conditions interruption termination service energy utility firm report payment information consumer reporting agency respect outstanding balance consumer late firm consumer entered payment plan consumer meeting obligations plan


Summary:
This bill repeals the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, which established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The bill revives or restores the provisions of law amended by such Act as if it had not been enacted.

bill repeals consumer financial protection act established consumer_financial_protection_bureau bill revives restores provisions law amended act enacted


Summary:
Bureau Research Transparency Act

 Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, any time it issues a research paper available to the public, to accompany it with all studies, data, and other analyses on which it was based.

bureau research transparency act amends consumer financial protection act require consumer_financial_protection_bureau time issues research paper available public accompany studies data analyses based


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill requires any nicotine provided in a liquid nicotine container sold, offered for sale, manufactured for sale, distributed in commerce, or imported into the United States to be packaged in accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC's) standards and testing procedures for special packaging that is difficult for children under five years of age to open or to obtain harmful contents from. The requirement must be treated as a standard for the special packaging of a household substance under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970.

"Liquid nicotine container" is defined to: (1) include a package from which nicotine in a solution or other form is accessible through normal and foreseeable use by a consumer and that is used to hold soluble nicotine in any concentration; and (2) exclude a sealed, pre-filled, and disposable container of nicotine in a solution or other form in which such container is inserted directly into an electronic cigarette, electronic nicotine delivery system, or other similar product, if the nicotine in the container is inaccessible through customary or reasonably foreseeable handling or use, including reasonably foreseeable ingestion or other contact by children.

The bill applies to any form of chemical nicotine, including any salt or complex, regardless of whether the chemical is naturally or synthetically derived.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must consult with the CPSC if HHS maintains, enforces, imposes, or continues in effect any packaging requirement for liquid nicotine containers, including a child-resistant packaging requirement.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure child nicotine poisoning prevention act sec bill requires nicotine provided liquid nicotine container sold offered sale manufactured sale distributed commerce imported united_states packaged accordance consumer_product_safety_commission cpsc standards testing procedures special packaging difficult children years age open obtain harmful contents requirement treated standard special packaging household substance poison_prevention_packaging_act liquid nicotine container defined include package nicotine solution form accessible normal foreseeable use consumer hold nicotine concentration exclude sealed pre filled disposable container nicotine solution form container directly electronic cigarette electronic nicotine delivery system similar product nicotine container inaccessible customary reasonably foreseeable handling use including reasonably foreseeable ingestion contact children bill applies form chemical nicotine including salt complex regardless chemical naturally derived department_of_health_and_human_services hhs consult cpsc hhs maintains enforces imposes continues effect packaging requirement liquid nicotine containers including child resistant packaging requirement


Summary:
Equal Employment for All Act of 2015

This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit a consumer reporting agency from furnishing an employer with a consumer credit report containing information on the consumer's creditworthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity if the employer intends to use that information for any decision made for employment purposes.

An employer may use such a report in either an employment decision or before taking an adverse employment action with the consumer's authorization under certain circumstances. Specifically, a report may be used if the consumer applies for or holds employment that requires eligibility for access to classified information or such use is otherwise required by law.

An employer who has sought such a report may neither deny employment to nor make any other employment decision about a consumer because the consumer has not authorized the employer's procurement of the report.

bill amends fair credit reporting act prohibit consumer reporting agency furnishing employer consumer credit report containing information consumer creditworthiness credit standing credit capacity employer intends use information decision employment purposes employer use report employment decision taking adverse employment action consumer authorization certain circumstances specifically report consumer applies holds employment requires eligibility access classified information use required law employer sought report deny employment employment decision consumer consumer authorized employer procurement report


Summary:
Annuity Safety and Security Under Reasonable Enforcement Act of 2015 or the ASSURE Act of 2015

 Amends the Truth in Lending Act to direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to issue regulations requiring any payment to a recipient of a federal or military pension (a benefit recipient) that diminishes the benefit recipient's ability to control payments from such pension to be treated as an extension of credit.

Requires financial institutions to include the terms of such credit in consumer information disclosures.

Prohibits the annual percentage rate of interest on such arrangements from exceeding the federal funds rate plus 6% or an equivalent aggregate amount of cash and property.

Specifies conditions under which payment of consideration in exchange for the retired pay of enlisted military members is prohibited from assignment under veterans' benefits laws.

Prohibits individuals from making allotments or assignments from annuities under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), including any agreement under which another person acquires for consideration the right to receive payment from such annuities as well as any arrangement for collateral for security for such an agreement. Exempts union dues or payments to employee organizations from such prohibitions.

Authorizes benefit recipients, individuals entitled to military retired pay, and annuity recipients to bring a private legal action in federal or state court against an assignee engaging in prohibited assignments.

Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to direct the CFPB to issue regulations requiring persons offering federal or military pension-related products to provide additional disclosures when advertising or selling such products to allow consumers to understand how their pension relates to the product.

annuity safety security reasonable enforcement act assure act amends_the_truth_in_lending_act direct consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb issue regulations requiring payment recipient federal military pension benefit recipient diminishes benefit recipient ability control payments pension treated extension credit requires financial institutions include terms credit consumer information disclosures prohibits annual percentage rate interest arrangements exceeding federal funds rate plus equivalent aggregate cash property specifies conditions payment consideration exchange retired pay enlisted military members prohibited assignment veterans benefits laws prohibits individuals making allotments assignments annuities civil_service_retirement_system csrs fers including agreement person acquires consideration right receive payment annuities arrangement collateral security agreement exempts union dues payments employee organizations prohibitions authorizes benefit recipients individuals entitled military retired pay annuity recipients bring private legal action federal state court assignee engaging prohibited assignments amends consumer financial protection act direct cfpb issue regulations requiring persons offering federal military pension related products provide additional disclosures advertising selling products allow consumers understand pension relates product


Summary:
Cosmetic Modernization Amendments of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth provisions governing the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) regulation of cosmetics, including requiring the registration of manufacturing establishments and the submission of a cosmetic and ingredient statement for each cosmetic. The FDA must publish a list of registered establishments and a list of cosmetics and their ingredients.

Cosmetic manufacturers, packers, and distributors must report to the FDA any serious and unexpected adverse events likely caused by a cosmetic. Cosmetic labels must include contact information to report a serious adverse event.

The FDA may establish principles and standards for good manufacturing practices for cosmetics. A cosmetic may not be sold if it presents a significant risk of serious adverse health consequences because it was not manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practices.

Certain ingredients are deemed safe for use in cosmetics unless restricted by the FDA. The FDA must establish a program to evaluate the safety of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients.

The FDA must establish and maintain a National Cosmetic Regulatory Databank that contains submitted information on cosmetics. Confidential business and trade secret information may be disclosed only to state agencies that request this information for good cause.

The FDA may establish exemptions to requirements so that implementation and compliance is cost-effective.

Color additives that the FDA has not listed as suitable and safe but that are generally recognized as safe may be used in cosmetics.

States and local governments may not establish or continue in effect specified requirements relating to cosmetics.

Cosmetics may only be imported from registered establishments that have submitted a cosmetic and ingredient statement.

cosmetic modernization amendments bill amends cosmetic act set forth provisions governing food_and_drug_administration fda regulation cosmetics including requiring registration manufacturing establishments submission cosmetic ingredient statement cosmetic fda publish list registered establishments list cosmetics ingredients cosmetic manufacturers packers distributors report fda unexpected adverse events likely caused cosmetic cosmetic labels include contact information report adverse event fda establish principles standards good manufacturing practices cosmetics cosmetic sold presents significant risk adverse health consequences manufactured accordance good manufacturing practices certain ingredients deemed safe use cosmetics restricted fda fda establish program evaluate safety cosmetics cosmetic ingredients fda establish maintain contains submitted information cosmetics confidential business trade secret information disclosed state agencies request information good cause fda establish exemptions requirements implementation compliance cost effective color additives fda listed suitable safe generally recognized safe cosmetics states local governments establish continue effect specified requirements relating cosmetics cosmetics imported registered establishments submitted cosmetic ingredient statement


Summary:
Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2015

This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to furnish to a consumer reporting agency information relating to the performance of a consumer in making payments: (1) under a lease agreement for a dwelling, including a lease in which HUD provides subsidized payments; or (2) pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service.

Information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications services may be furnished to a consumer reporting agency only to the extent that such information relates to payment by the consumer for such services or other terms of the provision of such services, including any deposit, discount, or conditions for interruption or termination of service.

An energy utility firm may not report payment information to a consumer reporting agency with respect to an outstanding balance of a consumer as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of such plan.

The bill amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to make provisions regarding civil liability to consumers of persons for willful or negligent noncompliance with requirements imposed by such Act on credit reporting agencies inapplicable to any violation of this Act.

bill amends fair credit reporting act authorize person department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud furnish consumer reporting agency information relating performance consumer making payments lease agreement dwelling including lease hud provides subsidized payments pursuant contract utility telecommunications service information consumer usage utility telecommunications services furnished consumer reporting agency extent information relates payment consumer services terms provision services including deposit discount conditions interruption termination service energy utility firm report payment information consumer reporting agency respect outstanding balance consumer late firm consumer entered payment plan consumer meeting obligations plan bill amends consumer_credit_protection_act provisions civil liability consumers persons willful negligent noncompliance requirements imposed act credit reporting agencies inapplicable violation act


Summary:
Debt Collection Practices Harmonization Act

This bill amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to:

 cover debt owed to a state, and require the Consumer Financial Protection Board to prescribe a percentage increase based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers in order to index annually for inflation civil damages awarded for abusive practices by a debt collector. The bill also empowers the court to award injunctive relief for violations of the Act.

The Department of the Treasury may not contract with any debt collector or other private party to recoup overpayments of disaster assistance to an individual or household by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

debt collection practices harmonization act bill amends fair debt collection practices act cover debt owed state require prescribe percentage increase based consumer price index urban consumers order index annually inflation civil damages awarded abusive practices debt collector bill empowers court award injunctive relief violations act department_of_the_treasury contract debt collector private party recoup overpayments disaster assistance individual household federal_emergency_management_agency fema robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance act


Summary:
Made in America Act of 2016

This bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish labels that persons or businesses may use voluntarily to indicate to consumers the extent to which products introduced, delivered for introduction, sold, advertised, or offered for sale in commerce are of U.S. origin.

The FTC must establish four categories of such labels, to be known as America Star labels, which may be used to designate products: (1) that satisfy the standard for an unqualified U.S. origin claim set forth by the FTC in the Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims; or (2) for which not less than 90%, 80%, or 70% of the total cost of manufacturing is attributable to U.S. costs.

The FTC must promulgate regulations for such labels and enforce such regulations under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

The bill also preempts certain state law requirements relating to the use of "Made in the U.S.A." or "Made in America" labels. The preemption provisions provide for: (1) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to supersede state laws that impose more stringent requirements, and (2) FTC regulations under this bill to supersede state laws.

america act bill directs federal_trade_commission ftc establish labels persons businesses use voluntarily indicate consumers extent products introduced delivered introduction sold advertised offered sale commerce origin ftc establish categories labels known america star labels designate products satisfy standard unqualified origin claim set forth ftc origin claims total cost manufacturing attributable costs ftc promulgate regulations labels enforce regulations federal_trade_commission_act bill preempts certain state law requirements relating use america labels preemption provisions provide violent_crime_control_and_law_enforcement_act supersede state laws impose stringent requirements ftc regulations bill supersede state laws


Summary:
Truth in Advertising Act of 2016

This bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to submit a report to Congress assessing the prevalence, in advertisements and other media for the promotion of commercial products and services in the United States, of images that have been altered to materially change the appearance and physical characteristics of the faces and bodies of the individuals depicted. The report must contain: (1) an evaluation of the degree to which such use of altered images may constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice, (2) guidelines for advertisers regarding how the FTC determines whether such use constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice, and (3) recommendations reflecting a consensus of stakeholders and experts to reduce consumer harm arising from such use.

The FTC must solicit input, to the extent practicable, from: (1) stakeholders that are geographically and culturally diverse; and (2) experts from physical and mental health, business, consumer advocacy, and advertising industry communities.

truth advertising act bill directs federal_trade_commission ftc submit report congress assessing prevalence advertisements media promotion commercial products services united_states images altered materially change appearance physical characteristics faces bodies individuals depicted report contain evaluation degree use altered images constitute unfair deceptive act practice guidelines ftc determines use constitutes unfair deceptive act practice recommendations reflecting consensus stakeholders experts reduce consumer harm arising use ftc solicit input extent practicable stakeholders geographically culturally diverse experts physical mental health business consumer advocacy advertising industry communities