FTC Collaboration Act of 2021 (H.R. 1766)

Summary

Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on how to improve teamwork with State Attorneys General to stop and punish consumer fraud.

What problem does this solve?

Federal and state agencies may not be working together as well as they could to protect people from scams and fraud. This law requires a study to find the best ways for these agencies to cooperate and improve consumer protection.

What does this law do?

Requires a study on collaboration

Orders the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study how to improve teamwork with State Attorneys General to prevent, share information about, and punish scams.

Defines study requirements

Specifies the study must examine the best roles for each agency, how to improve communication, how to use resources, and how to measure success.

Mandates consultation and public input

Requires the FTC to talk with State Attorneys General, consumer protection groups, and businesses, and to allow the public to give comments for the study.

Requires a report to Congress

Directs the FTC to send a public report to Congress with the study's findings, best practices for working together, and ideas for new laws if needed.

Who does this affect?

Federal Trade Commission
State Attorneys General
Consumers

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens consumer protection

Aims to make government more effective at stopping scams by improving teamwork between the federal FTC and State Attorneys General, leading to better outcomes for consumers.

When does this start?

This law sets specific deadlines for the Federal Trade Commission to complete a study and submit a report.

Deadline for study completion

The Federal Trade Commission must finish its study on collaboration with State Attorneys General within one year of the law being enacted.

Deadline for report to Congress

The FTC must submit its report to Congress and make it public no later than six months after the study is completed.