H.R. 859 · Where this bill is now
In the Senate
Passed the House Apr 29, 2025. Received Apr 30, 2025; no Senate vote yet
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summarySmart devices must disclose cameras and microphones
Manufacturers of internet-connected devices like smart appliances would have to tell customers before they buy if the device has a camera or microphone built in. The requirement doesn't apply to phones, laptops, or other devices where people already expect cameras or microphones.
How it affects you
If you're shopping for smart home devices, you'd get clear information about whether they can see or hear you before you bring them home. This gives you a chance to know what features are part of what you're buying.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jan 31, 2025)
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices (e.g., smart appliances) that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers prior to purchase that a camera or microphone is part of the device.
The bill does not apply to mobile phones, laptops, or other devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include a camera or microphone.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 859
AN ACT
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
Sponsor: Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID-1) · Introduced Jan 31, 2025 · Commerce · 4 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 30, 2025: “Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsHouse · On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · Apr 29, 2025
Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Passed 415–9
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 207 | 0 | 6 |
| Republicans | 208 | 9 | 2 |
9 members voted against most of their party: 9 Republicans voted No.
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 4 official versions.