Bill · S. 337· Senate(119-S-337)
Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act
- Introduced
- 1/30/2025
- Last activity
- 2/23/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 341.
- Sponsored by
- Deb Fischer
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code regarding the shipping of household goods. It clarifies the authority of the Secretary to assess civil penalties for violations of certain regulations. The bill also allows states to use grant funds for the enforcement of Federal household goods statutes and regulations. Additionally, it provides that states may retain fines or penalties imposed on carriers or brokers. Finally, the bill updates registration requirements by defining a "principal place of business" and requiring its designation by various entities.
Yes
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+6
The bill enhances consumer protection by strengthening the enforcement of federal household goods statutes and requiring clearer registration data.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by requiring entities to disclose common ownership or management relationships in their registration applications.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3
Strengthened consumer protections for household goods shipping may help protect lower-income households from unfair business practices.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The bill imposes new registration requirements and potential penalties that may increase the administrative burden on motor carriers and brokers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Enforcement of Regulations: The Secretary is granted the authority to assess civil penalties by written notice if they find a person violated specific regulations or orders (Section 2).
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State Support for Consumer Protection: States may use grant funds for the enforcement of Federal household goods statutes and regulations for both interstate and certain intrastate transportation of household goods (Section 3).
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State Revenue Retention: Any fine or penalty imposed on a carrier or broker in a proceeding under section 14711 shall be paid to and retained by the State that imposed it (Section 4).
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Increased Transparency in Registration: The bill requires motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to designate a "principal place of business," which is defined as a single physical location where management reports, significant business is conducted, and required records are maintained (Section 5).
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Disclosure of Business Relationships: Certain entities are now required to disclose relationships involving common ownership, management, control, or familial connections that occurred within the three years preceding their registration application (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Regulatory Risks for Unregistered Entities: The Secretary has the authority to withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder if they fail to designate a valid principal place of business (Section 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Business Owners-3
- 2/23/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-112.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 341.
- 5/21/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 1/30/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois