Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces Bill to Empower FTC with Independent Civil Penalty Authority
Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) has introduced the FTC Autonomy Act, legislation designed to grant the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to directly pursue civil penalties in court. Currently, the FTC must notify the Justice Department and allow them 45 days to take on such cases before the FTC can litigate independently. This bill would amend Sections 5(l) and 16 of the FTC Act, enabling the commission to bring civil penalty actions under any law it enforces, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, without prior Justice Department referral. The FTC Autonomy Act was announced in conjunction with Representative Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), who previously introduced the 21st Century FTC Act. Representative Castor's bill, which Representative Schakowsky co-sponsors, aims to provide the FTC with notice-and-comment rulemaking authority over unfair or deceptive acts and practices, and allow civil penalties for first-time violations of the FTC Act.
