Federal Trade Commission Reauthorization Act of 2008

Posted by D. Daniel Sokol

In a potentially significant (and for the most part positive) change for the FTC, Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) introduced the Federal Trade Commission Reauthorization Act of 2008.  BNA has a report of the bill.  Some of the highlights included specialized ALJs (ie, people who have an antitrust background), the ability of the the FTC to pursue litigation for civil action independently of the DOJ, expanded civil penalties, and speedier rulemaking.  It would also increase enforcement powers by State AGs.

The FTC has a page devoted to testimony on the proposed Act.  Chairman Kovacic's testimony before the committee is available and as is the Oral Statement of Commissioner Jon Leibowitz.