Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act

Increased Transparency in Settlements: The bill requires the publication of settlement offers, divestitures, and other remedies, as well as the process used to consider them (Section 2(2)(C)). This provides more public information on how antitrust cases are resolved.

Stronger Court Oversight: Courts must now determine there is a "reasonable belief, based on evidence and reasoned analysis" that a consent judgment is in the public interest and does not create a "material risk of violating the antitrust laws" (Section 2(5)(A)(i)). This ensures a more rigorous check on mergers and business practices.

State Government Accountability: State attorneys general can now file a motion for substitution if the federal government chooses to voluntarily dismiss an antitrust proceeding (Section 2(9)(j)(2)). This prevents cases from being dropped without an option for state-level enforcement.

Accountability for Officials: The bill allows courts to order the production of information regarding benefits or concessions offered to government employees or officers, such as payments or donations, that may be connected to a proceeding (Section 2(6)(D)).

Shorter Public Comment Windows: The time for the public to review and comment on certain proceedings is reduced from 60 days to 45 days (Section 2(2)(A)(iv) and Section 2(3)). This gives individuals and groups less time to voice concerns.

Asset Holding Requirements: In certain proceedings, parties must keep assets separate until 15 days after a response to comments is published, which could delay business transactions (Section 2(4)(C)(2)(A)).

Civil Penalties: Parties who violate the new requirements to hold assets separate may be liable for civil penalties (Section 2(4)(C)(3)).