H.R. 4814 – Consumer Safety Technology Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 10:14 AM UTC

The Consumer Safety Technology Act directs three federal agencies to explore new technologies that could improve consumer protection. It requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to run a pilot program using artificial intelligence to spot product hazards and monitor recalls. It also orders the Commerce Department, with input from the FTC, to study how blockchain can be used to prevent fraud, and it mandates the FTC to report on unfair or deceptive practices involving digital tokens.

Key Provisions

The Consumer Product Safety Commission must establish, within one year, a pilot program that applies AI to tasks such as tracking injury trends, identifying product hazards, monitoring online sales of recalled items, and flagging prohibited imports, and then report its findings to Congress.
The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the FTC and other agencies, must complete a study within one year on blockchain’s potential for consumer protection, covering current uses, risks, best practices, regulatory changes, and must solicit public comment before reporting to Congress.
The FTC must, within one year, submit a public report detailing its actions, efforts, and recommendations related to unfair or deceptive practices in token transactions, aiming to improve enforcement and guide future legislation.

Legislative Activity

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17 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

May 15, 2024

View full timeline

HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

July 20, 2023

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Energy and Commerce Committee

July 20, 2023

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce.

Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee

July 21, 2023

HouseCommittee

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee

November 2, 2023

HouseCommittee

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee

November 2, 2023

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Energy and Commerce Committee

December 5, 2023

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Energy and Commerce Committee

December 6, 2023

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 0.

Energy and Commerce Committee

December 6, 2023

HouseCommittee

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 118-498.

Energy and Commerce Committee

May 10, 2024

HouseCalendars

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 414.

May 10, 2024

HouseFloor

Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

May 14, 2024 • 3:03 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3032-3034)

May 14, 2024 • 3:03 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4814.

May 14, 2024 • 3:03 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3032-3033)

May 14, 2024 • 3:11 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3032-3033)

May 14, 2024 • 3:11 PM

HouseFloor

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

May 14, 2024 • 3:11 PM

HouseFloor

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

May 14, 2024 • 3:11 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

May 15, 2024

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about H.R. 4814 on the floor

1 Republican2 Democrats

Rep. Darren SotoD-FL-9 · May 14, 2024

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, the Consumer Safety Technology Act, H.R. 4814. It directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program to explore the use of…

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, the Consumer Safety Technology Act, H.R. 4814.

It directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence to track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements.

It also requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety. It also directs the Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to report on their efforts to address unfair and deceptive trade practices related to digital tokens and to promote innovation.

We heard in committee, Mr. Speaker, that the crooks are already using AI on the internet and that we need the cops on the beat to have artificial intelligence as well to keep our consumers safe.

Let's think about it. The internet is nearly infinite, and so are the ways to push unsafe products and put consumers in harm's way. That is why the Federal Trade Commission testified before our committee that the use of artificial intelligence would help them protect consumers by tracking trends of injuries involving a myriad of consumer products. Thousands of injuries happen each day. It helps with identifying consumer product hazards, categorizing them, and monitoring the sale of recalled consumer products. Think of how much commerce happens every day in America. It helps to identify consumer products that do not meet the importation requirements.

It also requires a report to Congress on how and to what extent artificial intelligence improved the agency's ability to advance its mission.

The FTC also testified it would help them save money in that it would be a really economic and efficient way to deploy other members of the FTC to go after other areas. I do agree with the ranking member that that is no substitute for making sure they have the full funding that they need.

In addition, the blockchain technology study directs the Department of Commerce to study the applications of blockchain and to address fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Blockchain can be used in so many different ways, whether it is through cryptocurrency, through storing data, through cybersecurity, or through communications. Of course, this should be done in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, the FTC.

Finally, we have commissioned the Federal Trade Commission to report to Congress on unfair and deceptive trade practices relating to tokens. We have also seen a need to protect consumers and promote innovation. We eventually need rules of the road, and this is helping get us there with blockchain. We need more certainty so we can have growth in both blockchain and cryptocurrency firms in the United States, giving them an understanding and certainty of the laws and their obligations, and also to protect consumers from scams like pump and dump, whitewashing, and other financial schemes.

Mr. Speaker, for that and more, I am thrilled to be able to have this bill be heard on the floor, and I thank my colleagues, Representatives Burgess, Trahan, Guthrie, Castor, my fellow Floridian, Chairman Gus Bilirakis, and our Ranking Member Frank Pallone for including this on the agenda today.

Rep. Gus M. BilirakisR-FL-12 · May 14, 2024

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4814) to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in…

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4814) to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in support of the mission of the Commission and to direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on the use of blockchain technology and digital tokens, respectively, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on this particular bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I express my support for H.R. 4814, the Consumer Safety Technology Act led by Representatives Soto, Burgess, Trahan, and Guthrie.

It should be no surprise, Mr. Speaker, that the global race for economic dominance today is centered around technology, specifically around emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Throughout this Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee, led by our chairwoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and our ranking member, Mr. Pallone, has examined ways that the U.S. can continue to lead in the development and deployment of such technologies.

In our subcommittee, we have discussed the need to ensure America leads the world and wins this critical competition, particularly against our adversaries, in this case, China, in every field. This legislation will complement other initiatives we are undertaking.

If enacted, H.R. 4814 would ensure our consumer protection agencies stay up to date with emerging technologies and would encourage the use of emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain in support of product safety and consumer protection.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their work on this particular piece of legislation, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 4814.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this is a great deal. These bills aren't high-

profile bills, but they are very important. They affect our constituents directly, and we have to stay ahead of the crooks.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.D-NJ-6 · May 14, 2024

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 4814, the Consumer Safety Technology Act. Our consumer protection agencies play a critical role…

Bill Text

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Referred in SenateIssued May 15, 2024

IIB

118th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 4814

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 15, 2024

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

AN ACT

To direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in support of the mission of the Commission and to direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on the use of blockchain technology and tokens, respectively.

1.

Short title; table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Consumer Safety Technology Act.

(b)

Table of contents

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Definitions.

Title I—Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Product Safety

Sec. 101. Short title.

Sec. 102. Pilot program for use of artificial intelligence by Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Title II—Blockchain Technology Innovation

Sec. 201. Short title.

Sec. 202. Study on blockchain technology and its use in consumer protection.

Title III—Token Taxonomy

Sec. 301. Short title.

Sec. 302. Findings.

Sec. 303. Report on unfair or deceptive acts or practices in transactions relating to tokens.

2.

Definitions

In this Act—

(1)

the term consumer product has the meaning given such term in section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a));

(2)

the term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce; and

(3)

the term token means a transferrable, digital representation of information recorded on a blockchain or other distributed ledger technology.

I

Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Product Safety

101.

Short title

This title may be cited as the AI for Consumer Product Safety Act.

102.

Pilot program for use of artificial intelligence by Consumer Product Safety Commission

(a)

Establishment

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence by the Commission in support of the consumer product safety mission of the Commission, as described in section 2(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051(b)).

(b)

Requirements

In conducting the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Commission shall do the following:

(1)

Use artificial intelligence for at least 1 of the following purposes:

(A)

Tracking trends with respect to injuries involving consumer products.

(B)

Identifying consumer product hazards.

(C)

Monitoring the retail marketplace (including internet websites) for the sale of recalled consumer products (including both new and used products).

(D)

Identifying consumer products required by section 17(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2066(a)) to be refused admission into the customs territory of the United States.

(2)

Consistent with section 6 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2055), consult with the following:

(A)

Technologists, data scientists, and experts in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

(B)

Cybersecurity experts.

(C)

Members of the retail industry.

(D)

Consumer product manufacturers.

(E)

Consumer product safety organizations.

(F)

Any other person the Commission considers appropriate.

(c)

Report to Congress

Not later than 1 year after the conclusion of the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and make publicly available on the website of the Commission, a report on the findings and data derived from such program, including the extent to which the use of artificial intelligence improved the ability of the Commission to advance the consumer product safety mission of the Commission.

II

Blockchain Technology Innovation

201.

Short title

This title may be cited as the Blockchain Innovation Act.

202.

Study on blockchain technology and its use in consumer protection

(a)

In general

(1)

Study required

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission and any other Federal agency the Secretary determines appropriate, shall complete a study on the possible uses of blockchain technology for consumer protection purposes, including preventing or mitigating fraud and other unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

(2)

Requirements for study

In conducting the study required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall examine—

(A)

existing and emerging uses of blockchain technology that could help protect consumers, including by preventing or mitigating fraud and other unfair or deceptive acts or practices within the meaning of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45);

(B)

trends in the commercial use of and investment in blockchain technology to prevent or mitigate fraud and other unfair or deceptive acts or practices as described in subparagraph (A);

(C)

best practices in facilitating public-private partnerships in blockchain technology to prevent or mitigate fraud and other unfair or deceptive acts or practices as described in subparagraph (A);

(D)

potential benefits and risks related to the use of blockchain technology to prevent or mitigate fraud and other unfair or deceptive acts or practices as described in subparagraph (A);

(E)

possible modifications to Federal regulations that could encourage the use of blockchain technology to prevent or mitigate fraud and other unfair or deceptive acts or practices as described in subparagraph (A); and

(F)

any other relevant observations or recommendations related to the use of blockchain technology for consumer protection purposes, including preventing or mitigating fraud and other unfair or deceptive acts or practices as described in subparagraph (A).

(3)

Public comment

In conducting the study required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide opportunity for public comment and advice relevant to conducting the study.

(b)

Report to Congress

Not later than 6 months after the completion of the study required by subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and make publicly available on the website of the Department of Commerce, a report that contains the results of such study.

III

Token Taxonomy

301.

Short title

This title may be cited as the Digital Taxonomy Act.

302.

Findings

Congress finds that—

(1)

it is important that the United States remains a leader in innovation;

(2)

tokens and blockchain technology are driving innovation and providing consumers with increased choice and convenience;

(3)

the use of tokens and blockchain technology is likely to increase in the future;

(4)

the Federal Trade Commission is responsible for protecting consumers from unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including relating to tokens;

(5)

the Commission has previously taken action against unscrupulous companies and individuals that committed unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving tokens; and

(6)

to bolster the Commission’s ability to enforce against unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving tokens, the Commission should ensure staff have appropriate training and resources to identify and pursue such cases.

303.

Report on unfair or deceptive acts or practices in transactions relating to tokens

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and make publicly available on the website of the Commission, a report on—

(1)

any actions taken by the Commission relating to unfair or deceptive acts or practices in transactions relating to tokens;

(2)

any other efforts of the Commission to prevent unfair or deceptive acts or practices relating to tokens; and

(3)

any recommendations by the Commission for legislation that would improve the ability of the Commission and other relevant Federal agencies to further protect consumers from unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the token marketplace.

Passed the House of Representatives May 14, 2024.

Kevin F. McCumber,

Clerk.