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Congress·Passed House·H.R. 859

Smart Devices: Disclosure of Cameras and Microphones

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

11 months ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

✓ House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill requires companies to clearly tell you if a smart device—like a refrigerator, toaster, or thermostat—has a built-in camera or microphone before you buy it.
  • It focuses on internet-connected products where a person might not expect to find recording equipment, helping to protect your privacy by making sure you know when a device can see or hear you.
  • The rules do not apply to items like smartphones, laptops, or webcams, because most people already expect those specific devices to have cameras and microphones.
  • The Federal Trade Commission will be in charge of making sure companies follow these rules and can punish businesses that try to hide this information from shoppers.
  • If this becomes law, the new labels will start appearing on products manufactured about a year after the government finishes writing the specific instructions for companies.

Milestones

4 milestones15 actions
Apr 30, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.

Apr 29, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Apr 29, 2025House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)

Apr 29, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)

Apr 29, 2025House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1710-1711)

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedProceduralApr 29, 2025

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass

415
9
Democrat
207 – 0 · 6
Republican
208 – 9 · 2
View full roll call

Related Bills

1 bill
H.R. 1768Related bill

Lower Costs for Everyday Americans Act

Mar 3 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, the Budget, the Judiciary, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

Bill NumberHR 859
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.