To authorize the Federal Trade Commission to independently initiate civil actions to recover certain civil penalties, and for other purposes.
Latest action (1 Oct 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 10701 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Janice Schakowsky. Its stated purpose is to grant the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to independently start legal cases to get back certain civil fines. The full text of the bill, which would detail the specific types of penalties and circumstances involved, has not yet been published.
As proposed, this legislation would affect the operational powers of the Federal Trade Commission. It is intended to allow the FTC to take civil actions on its own to recover civil penalties, rather than relying on other government entities to initiate such actions. The bill does not specify which industries or individuals would be directly impacted beyond those subject to FTC enforcement actions for civil penalties.
This bill is currently in its initial stage, having just been introduced in the 119th Congress. The next steps in the legislative process would typically involve referral to a committee for review, potential hearings, amendments, and votes in the House of Representatives. If it passes the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on October 1, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10701 do?
- H.R. 10701 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Janice Schakowsky. Its stated purpose is to grant the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to independently start legal cases to get back certain civil fines. The full text of the bill, which would detail the specific types of penalties and circumstances involved, has not yet been published. As proposed, this legislation would affect the operational powers of the Federal Trade Commission. It is intended to allow the FTC to take civil actions on its own to recover civil penalties, rather than relying on other government entities to initiate such actions. The bill does not specify which industries or individuals would be directly impacted beyond those subject to FTC enforcement actions for civil penalties. This bill is currently in its initial stage, having just been introduced in the 119th Congress. The next steps in the legislative process would typically involve referral to a committee for review, potential hearings, amendments, and votes in the House of Representatives. If it passes the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration.
- Has H.R. 10701 become law?
- Not yet. As of 1 Oct 2026, H.R. 10701 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10701?
- H.R. 10701 was sponsored by Rep. Janice “Jan” Schakowsky [D-IL9] (Democrat-IL), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10701?
- Introduced (1 Oct 2026).
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