House Passes Crucial Consumer Safety Legislation

Lawmakers should seize end-of-the-year opportunity

By [ Michael Hanson ]
Washington, DC
11/17/2022

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed decisively the INFORM Consumers Act, bipartisan legislation to protect consumers from counterfeit and stolen goods being sold online. Retailers are urging Congress to get this crucial legislation over the finish line before year’s end.

“We are thrilled House lawmakers acted on this vital legislation today. It’s a huge step forward in the fight against organized retail crime and keeping communities across the U.S. safe,” said RILA Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs Michael Hanson.

“Retailers continue to be harmed by organized retail crime at record levels. These are not petty thefts, and they are not victimless crimes; they hurt retail employees, customers, families and their communities. The INFORM Consumers Act is a solution that holds bad actors accountable, and is supported by retailers, marketplaces, consumer groups, law enforcement and community groups.

“We applaud and thank Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) for their tireless fight to get the INFORM Consumers Act enacted into law. We urge lawmakers to act quickly and decisively to pass the INFORM Consumers Act before the end of the year.” added Hanson.

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.