Bill · S. 4311· Senate(119-S-4311)
Consumer Protection Remedies Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/15/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Maria Cantwell
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Consumer Protection Remedies Act of 2026 seeks to amend section 13 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. This bill changes how the Commission can seek relief for violations of the law. It expands the options available to courts to provide equitable remedies. These new options include things like restitution, reforming contracts, and returning property. The bill also addresses the disgorgement of unjust enrichment.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill expands the FTC's ability to seek restitution, contract reformation, and disgorgement of unjust enrichment for consumers.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
Expanded consumer remedies like restitution and refunds can help low-income households recover losses from unfair practices.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+5
The bill provides more ways for middle-class consumers to recover money lost due to violations of law.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Restitution and Refunds: The Commission may seek, and a court may order, restitution for consumer loss, the rescission or reformation of contracts, and the refund of money or return of property (Section 2(a)(2)(1)). This could help individuals recover what they lost due to a violation.
-
Disgorgement of Unjust Enrichment: The Commission can seek to have a person, partnership, or corporation give up any unjust enrichment they gained from a violation (Section 2(a)(2)(2)(A)). This ensures that those who break the law do not keep illegal profits.
-
Expanded Court Relief: Courts may issue a permanent injunction, an equitable remedy, or any other relief they determine is just and proper (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(v)). This gives the court more flexibility to fix harms caused to the public interest.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Time Limitations on Claims: Relief for restitution or contract rescission is not available for claims arising more than 10 years before a suit is filed (Section 2(a)(2)(1)(B)). Similarly, disgorgement is limited to unjust enrichment obtained in the 10 years preceding the filing of the suit (Section 2(a)(2)(2)(C)).
-
Calculation of Time Limits: When calculating the 10-year period for these claims, any time a person, partnership, or corporation is outside the United States is not counted (Section 2(a)(2)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Urban Residents+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 4/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont