S.337 - Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act (S.337) aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to enhance the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) over household goods shipping. The bill focuses on strengthening consumer protection measures and clarifying regulatory oversight. It addresses issues such as civil penalties for violations, state use of grant funds for enforcement, retention of penalties by states, and registration requirements for motor carriers and brokers.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased enforcement of regulations related to household goods shipping. It will also provide states with more resources and discretion to protect consumers. The changes in registration requirements should help to identify and address fraudulent or non-compliant operators in the moving industry.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Consumer Protection: The Act strengthens consumer protection by clarifying the FMCSA's authority and providing states with additional resources for enforcement.
- Increased State Authority: States gain more control over penalties and fines, allowing them to reinvest in local enforcement efforts.
- Improved Registration Requirements: Stricter registration requirements help to weed out fraudulent operators and improve industry accountability.
- Better Enforcement: The Secretary can now enforce civil penalties, leading to better compliance.
- Optional State Activities: States have discretion over enforcement activities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Costs: Increased regulatory burden may lead to higher compliance costs for motor carriers and brokers.
- Possible State Disparities: Discretionary state enforcement could lead to inconsistencies in consumer protection across different states.
- Limited Scope: The Act primarily focuses on administrative and enforcement aspects, potentially overlooking other consumer protection issues.
- Uncertainty in Implementation: The effectiveness of the Act depends on how the FMCSA and individual states implement the new provisions.
- Possible unintended consequences: Stricter regulations could reduce the number of moving companies, increasing prices.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By amending Title 49, the Act seeks to improve the regulation of household goods shipping, a sector that inherently involves interstate commerce. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).