Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Aug 1998): Referred to the Subcommittee on Postal Service.
What this bill does
The Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998, if enacted, would change federal postal laws concerning mailings that use games of chance or resemble negotiable instruments for product or service promotions. Specifically, it would prohibit the delivery of such mail unless certain notices are printed on the envelope and enclosed materials. These notices would inform recipients that the mailing is a game of chance, that they have not automatically won, and in some cases, would require the disclosure of winning probabilities and state that no purchase is necessary. Mailings resembling negotiable instruments would need a notice stating they are not checks and have no cash value.
This bill would affect companies that use sweepstakes, games of chance, or negotiable instrument-like materials in their direct mail advertising. It would also impact consumers receiving such mail by providing them with clearer disclosures about the nature of the promotion. The Postal Service would be responsible for prescribing the exact wording and appearance of these notices, and they would need to be printed in a specified font size. Importantly, the bill states it would not override any state laws that regulate advertising or sales related to games of chance.
The Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998 was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 1998 by Representative Frank LoBiondo. It was referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. As of the provided information, its latest action is simply that it was introduced. Bills introduced in Congress typically go through committee review, potentially amendments, and then floor votes in both the House and Senate before they could be sent to the President for signature into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998 - Amends Federal postal law to prohibit delivery of any mail constituting a solicitation or offer in connection with a sales promotion for a product or service that uses any game of chance offering anything of value (including any sweepstakes) or anything resembling a negotiable instrument, unless specified notices in a specified font are printed on the envelope and enclosed material. States that nothing in this Act shall preempt any State law that regulates advertising or sales of goods and services associated with any game of chance.
Timeline
17 Aug 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Postal Service.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4340 do?
- The Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998, if enacted, would change federal postal laws concerning mailings that use games of chance or resemble negotiable instruments for product or service promotions. Specifically, it would prohibit the delivery of such mail unless certain notices are printed on the envelope and enclosed materials. These notices would inform recipients that the mailing is a game of chance, that they have not automatically won, and in some cases, would require the disclosure of winning probabilities and state that no purchase is necessary. Mailings resembling negotiable instruments would need a notice stating they are not checks and have no cash value. This bill would affect companies that use sweepstakes, games of chance, or negotiable instrument-like materials in their direct mail advertising. It would also impact consumers receiving such mail by providing them with clearer disclosures about the nature of the promotion. The Postal Service would be responsible for prescribing the exact wording and appearance of these notices, and they would need to be printed in a specified font size. Importantly, the bill states it would not override any state laws that regulate advertising or sales related to games of chance. The Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998 was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 1998 by Representative Frank LoBiondo. It was referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. As of the provided information, its latest action is simply that it was introduced. Bills introduced in Congress typically go through committee review, potentially amendments, and then floor votes in both the House and Senate before they could be sent to the President for signature into law.
- Has H.R. 4340 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4340. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4340?
- H.R. 4340 was sponsored by Rep. LoBiondo, Frank A. [R-NJ-2] (R-NJ), with 23 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4340?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Postal Service. (17 Aug 1998).
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