The Advertising Law Practice Group has prepared a Client Advisory titled “Reauthorization Bill Would Increase the Resources and Authority of the Federal Trade Commission.” The Advisory discusses the Federal Trade Commission Reauthorization Act of 2008, a bill introduced this week by Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) and Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND). The proposed bill seeks to increase the resources and the authority of the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”).

The FTC Reauthorization Act of 2008 proposes a strategy that will significantly expand the Commission’s authority. Key provisions outlined in the bill include measures that would introduce civil penalties for first violations, streamline rulemaking under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTCA”), and extend jurisdiction to non-profit organizations and common carriers, who had previously been exempt.