This legislation mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a comprehensive study into potentially unfair or deceptive acts and practices prevalent in the advertising and marketing of firearms. The study is specifically directed to consider materials that may be designed to appeal to individuals under 18 years of age, imply or encourage the illegal use of the product, or relate to the advertising of semiautomatic assault weapons . Within two years of enactment, the FTC must submit a detailed report to Congress outlining its findings and providing recommendations for legislative or administrative action. Following the submission of this report, the bill requires the FTC to promulgate regulations within 18 months to prohibit any manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms from engaging in such unfair or deceptive advertising or marketing practices. These regulations must address the same specific concerns identified in the study, including advertising targeting minors, promoting illegal use, or involving assault weapons. Violations of these regulations will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, granting the FTC full authority to enforce these new standards.
This legislation mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a comprehensive study into potentially unfair or deceptive acts and practices prevalent in the advertising and marketing of firearms. The study is specifically directed to consider materials that may be designed to appeal to individuals under 18 years of age, imply or encourage the illegal use of the product, or relate to the advertising of semiautomatic assault weapons . Within two years of enactment, the FTC must submit a detailed report to Congress outlining its findings and providing recommendations for legislative or administrative action. Following the submission of this report, the bill requires the FTC to promulgate regulations within 18 months to prohibit any manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms from engaging in such unfair or deceptive advertising or marketing practices. These regulations must address the same specific concerns identified in the study, including advertising targeting minors, promoting illegal use, or involving assault weapons. Violations of these regulations will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, granting the FTC full authority to enforce these new standards.