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119th Congress
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HOUSEH.R. 859· 119th Congress

Smart Devices Act Requires Disclosure of Built-In Cameras and Microphones

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

Sponsor
Russ Fulcher (R-ID)
Introduced
Jan 31, 2025
Last Action
Apr 30, 2025

Recorded legislative actions. Future votes are not implied.

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In Committee
Jan 31, 2025
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Passed Committee
Apr 8, 2025
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Passed Committee
Apr 24, 2025
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Passed House
Apr 29, 2025
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Received in Senate
Apr 30, 2025

AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Apr 23, 2025. Analysis updated: Sep 15, 2026.

01 — The Text

What.

  • Manufacturers of internet-connected devices must disclose to consumers before purchase if the device includes a camera or microphone
  • The requirement applies to smart appliances and similar internet-connected devices
  • The bill exempts mobile phones, laptops, and other devices consumers would reasonably expect to have cameras or microphones
  • The disclosure requirement is intended to inform consumers about surveillance capabilities before they buy
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • The bill does not specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or regulatory oversight in the official summary
  • Impact on device manufacturers, costs, or market effects are not documented in the official summary
  • The scope depends on how 'reasonably expect' is interpreted for boundary devices; this interpretation is not established
  • Consumer awareness may increase, but actual behavioral or privacy outcomes are not documented
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • House passed the bill on April 29, 2025 by vote of 415-9 under suspension of rules
  • Senate received the bill on April 30, 2025 and placed it on Legislative Calendar as Calendar No. 64
  • No Senate committee assignment or scheduled action is documented
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Apr 30, 2025 — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
  • Apr 29, 2025 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Apr 29, 2025 — 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, 2025 — Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1710-1711)
  • Apr 28, 2025 — At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
  • Apr 28, 2025 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 859.
  • Apr 28, 2025 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1666)