Sponsors (3)
The bill strengthens the FTC's ability to secure permanent monetary relief and deter fraud for consumers, at the expense of higher legal/compliance costs for businesses, increased federal enforcement spending, and limits on remedies for older harms.
Consumers harmed by unfair or deceptive business practices can recover restitution, refunds, or return of property when the FTC wins a permanent-equity suit, increasing the chance victims get compensated.
The FTC gains stronger permanent-equitable tools (including disgorgement and injunction-type relief) to stop ongoing harms and deter future fraud, improving enforcement effectiveness.
Small businesses and corporations sued by the FTC face greater exposure to monetary-equitable remedies, increasing legal and compliance costs.
Expanding FTC enforcement authority may increase federal litigation and related government spending to pursue permanent-equity cases, with costs borne by taxpayers and federal resources.
A 10-year look-back limit could prevent recovery for older harms, leaving some victims without remedy for past misconduct.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Expands the FTC's authority to seek permanent injunctions and equitable remedies (restitution, rescission, refunds, return of property, disgorgement) with a 10-year look‑back.
Official title: To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to affirmatively confirm the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to seek permanent injunctions and other equitable relief for violations of any provision of law enforced by the Commission.
Introduced July 30, 2026 by Janice D. Schakowsky · Last progress July 30, 2026
Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to bring suits seeking permanent injunctions and a wider set of equitable remedies in federal court, beyond its existing authority to seek temporary or preliminary relief. Courts may order restitution, rescission or reformation of contracts, refunds, return of property, and disgorgement of unjust enrichment, subject to offsets and a 10-year look‑back limit (excluding time the defendant was outside the U.S.). The change amends the FTC Act to add an explicit statutory basis for permanent equitable relief and applies to cases pending on or begun after the law takes effect.