The House of Representatives has passed three new bills focusing on technology, public safety, and cybersecurity. With these new bills, the House aims to enhance the protection of consumer rights, strengthen mobile service networks, and improve the technology used to locate trapped persons.
First, the House passed House Resolution (HR) 1770, also known as the Consumer Safety Technology Act. This bill establishes a program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in support of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and reports related to blockchain technology and digital tokens.
HR 1770 also establishes a set of new requirements for the CPSC, for which they must consult with data scientists and product manufacturers. They must identify consumer product hazards, track injuries involving products, and monitor the sale of recalled products.
HR 1770 also requires the Department of Commerce to report on existing and emerging uses of blockchain technology for consumer protection. The Federal Trade Commission must also report on its efforts to prevent unfair or deceptive practices relating to digital tokens.
Second, the House passed the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act, also known as HR 1709. This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to examine and report on the cybersecurity of mobile service networks.
The NTIA must specifically focus on the vulnerability of these networks and mobile devices to cyberattacks and surveillance conducted by bad actors. The NTIA must assess the degree to which mobile service providers have addressed cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
HR 1709 also requires the NTIA to report on the degree to which these providers have implemented cybersecurity practices and risk assessment frameworks.
Finally, the House passed HR 1455, the ITS Codification Act. This bill provides statutory authority for the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which serves as the telecommunications research and engineering arm of the NTIA.
HR 1455 directs the ITS to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies. This new technology will be for locating trapped individuals in confined spaces where conventional radio communication is limited.
The sponsor of this bill, Rep. Buddy Carter (R), called on the Senate to pass this bill in the wake of recent natural disasters. “I’m calling on my Senate colleagues to quickly get this bill to President Trump’s desk, so we can ensure mobile connectivity during natural disasters and other devastating events,” stated Rep. Carter.
