Advocacy Filings

When government bodies and other organizations consider cases or policy decisions that affect consumers or competition, the FTC may offer insight and expertise to decision makers by filing an advocacy letter. To find a specific filing, use the filters on this page.

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FTC Staff Comment on Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s Proposed Customer Due Diligence Rule for Financial Institutions

October 2014

Matter Number:

P124402

FTC staff filed a comment on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of Treasury, supporting the proposed Customer Due Diligence Rule. Among other requirements, the proposed rule would require financial institutions to collect information on the individuals who are the beneficial owners of a legal entity when the entity opens an account. The comment notes that the proposed Rule should improve the FTC’s ability to track down those perpetrating fraud against consumers in situations where individuals used legal entities or "shell" companies to disguise their involvement with fraudulent operations.

FTC Staff Comment on Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s Proposed Customer Due Diligence Rule for Financial Institutions (1.08 MB)

Federal Trade Commission Comment Before the Federal Communications Commission Regarding the Privacy and Security Practices of Broadband Providers and Their Impact On Broadband Adoption

September 2014

The FTC filed a comment before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to its inquiry into the status of broadband availability and deployment to all Americans, in which the FCC asked for comment on, among other things, the relevance of privacy and/or data security concerns to consumer adoption of broadband. The comment provided information on the FTC’s enforcement, policy, and education work related to consumer privacy and data security, as applied to residential broadband internet services. The comment highlighted FTC efforts to promote consumer privacy and data security through rigorous enforcement of the FTC Act, the FCRA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the obligations of broadband service providers under these laws.

Federal Trade Commission Comment Before the Federal Communications Commission Regarding the Privacy and Security Practices of Broadband Providers and Their Impact On Broadband Adoption (90.12 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Regarding the Use of Mobile Financial Services By Consumers and Its Potential For Improving the Financial Lives of Economically Vulnerable Consumers

September 2014

FTC staff filed a comment before the CFPB in response to its request for information on the use of mobile financial systems by consumers and their potential benefits for the financial lives of underserved consumers. The staff comment highlighted consumer protection issues posed by mobile financial services and the steps taken by the FTC to address them. These issues include: the potential liability for unauthorized charges using prepaid or stored value products; unfair billing practices on mobile carrier bills; the privacy of consumers’ personal and financial data; the security of consumers’ personal and financial data; and the potential use of consumers’ information by data brokers and other third parties.

FTC Staff Comment Before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Regarding the Use of Mobile Financial Services By Consumers and Its Potential For Improving the Financial Lives of Economically Vulnerable Consumers (80.54 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the ERISA Advisory Council of the U.S. Department of Labor Regarding Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compensation and Fee Disclosure

August 2014

Matter Number:

V140011

Staff submitted a comment containing information that may be useful to the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, regarding issues relating to PBM compensation and fee disclosure. The comment discussed prior FTC analyses relating to the Council’s general inquiry, and addressed some recent questions directed to FTC staff by the Council.

FTC Staff Comment Before the ERISA Advisory Council of the U.S. Department of Labor Regarding Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compensation and Fee Disclosure (114.13 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the New Jersey General Assembly Regarding Assembly Bills 2986, 3096, 3041, and 3216, Which Would Create Limited Exceptions to New Jersey’s Prohibition on Direct-to-Consumer Sales by Manufacturers of Automobiles

May 2014

Matter Number:

V140008

FTC staff submitted a comment, in response to a request from New Jersey Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarty, regarding four bills that each would permit, to varying degrees, some manufacturers to sell cars directly to consumers under limited circumstances. The comment concluded that the bills likely would increase competition relative to the existing blanket ban on all other methods of selling cars. The comment further urged a complete repeal of the prohibition on direct sales, which would more fully benefit consumers.

Text of the Staff Comment (174.15 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Missouri House of Representatives Regarding House Bill 1124, Which Would Expand the Current Prohibition on Direct-to-Consumer Sales by Manufacturers of Automobiles

May 2014

Matter Number:

V140010

FTC staff submitted a comment, in response to a request from Missouri State Representative Michael J. Colona, regarding Missouri House Bill 1124. The bill would amend the Missouri Motor Vehicle Franchise Act, which prohibited franchisors of new motor vehicles from owning or operating a new motor vehicle dealership in the state. The proposed amendments would expand the scope of the existing restrictions on direct sales, and require that all new motor vehicles in Missouri be sold through independent dealers. The staff comment noted that the current law likely harmed both competition and consumers and the proposed amendments would amplify such adverse effects and discourage innovation. Furthermore, the comment encouraged Missouri to consider abandoning existing law and to permit manufacturers and consumers to reengage the normal competitive process that prevails in most other industries.

Text of the Staff Comment (141.18 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Missouri House of Representatives Regarding Missouri House Bills 1481 and 1491

May 2014

Matter Number:

V140009

Staff submitted a comment, in response to a request by Representative Jeanne Kirkton of the Missouri House of Representatives, regarding Missouri House Bills 1481 and 1491. HB 1491 would allow APRNs to assess and diagnose patients and order diagnostic and therapeutic tests and procedures, without a collaborative practice arrangement with a particular physician as required under existing Missouri law. HB 1481 would allow physicians and APRNs to collaborate electronically, replacing a law requiring their offices to be physically nearby. The staff comment stated that the bills would curtail costly barriers to competition that may deter procompetitive innovation in health care delivery. The comment referenced staff’s March 2014 policy paper, Policy Perspectives: Competition and the Regulation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, for support.

Text of the Staff Comment (61.89 KB)

FTC Staff Comment to the Honorable Brendan Reilly Concerning Chicago Proposed Ordinance O2014-1367 Regarding Transportation Network Providers

April 2014

Matter Number:

V140007

FTC staff submitted a comment, in response to a request from Alderman Brendan Reilly of the Chicago City Council, regarding a proposed ordinance that would provide for the licensing and operation of transportation network providers (TNPs), particularly software applications that enable consumers to arrange for transportation services via personal vehicles. The comment stated that, if regulation of TNP services are warranted, regulation should focus primarily on ensuring the safety of customers and drivers and other consumer protection issues. The comment noted that some provisions may unnecessarily impede competition, and recommended that the City Council carefully consider the justification for and effects of such provisions. The comment also recommended that the city should more clearly allow for flexibility and experimentation in pricing.

FTC Staff Comment to the Honorable Brendan Reilly Concerning Chicago Proposed Ordinance O2014-1367 Regarding Transportation Network Providers (146.06 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Illinois State Senate Regarding Senate Bill 2629, Which Would Repeal Certain Provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code That Currently Prohibit the Sale or Long-Term Lease of New or Used Automobiles on Sunday in Illinois

March 2014

Matter Number:

V140004

FTC staff submitted a comment, in response to a request from Illinois State Senator James Oberweis, regarding the competitive impact of repealing the state’s prohibition on the sale or long-term lease of vehicles on Sundays. The staff comment stated that repealing the mandatory Sunday closing provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code likely would enhance competition and benefit consumers. The comment observed that existing law eliminated the possibility of competition among auto dealers to determine the Sunday hours of operation that would be most responsive to consumer preferences and most beneficial to consumers. The comment further noted that the probable effects of the mandatory Sunday closing laws extend beyond vehicle sales and long-term leasing, because auto dealers also provide repair services and sell replacement parts.

FTC Staff Comment Before the Illinois State Senate Regarding Senate Bill 2629, Which Would Repeal Certain Provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code That Currently Prohibit the Sale or Long-Term Lease of New or Used Automobiles on Sunday in Illinois (60.7 KB)

Federal Trade Commission Staff Comment To the Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services Regarding the Proposed Rule Entitled "Contract Year 2015 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs"

March 2014

Matter Number:

V140006

Staff submitted a comment to CMS, in response to a request for public comments, regarding proposed changes in contracting for Medicare Part D. The comment recommended that CMS reconsider a proposal to implement an “any willing pharmacy” provision, and further examine whether such provisions are likely to benefit Part D beneficiaries and the Part D program. The comment noted that health plans’ ability to construct networks that include some, but not all, providers can be an important tool to enhance competition and lower costs in markets for health care goods and services.

Federal Trade Commission Staff Comment To the Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services Regarding the Proposed Rule Entitled "Contract Year 2015 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs" (88.86 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Regarding Its Investigation of Time-Varying Retail Rates for Electric Power

March 2014

Matter Number:

V140003

Docket Number:

DPU 14-04

FTC staff submitted a comment in response to a request by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for comments on its investigation of dynamic pricing for residential electricity customers. The staff comment articulated the potential benefits of dynamic pricing and identified fundamental difficulties in reconciling the “basic” rate-regulated service in Massachusetts with rapid innovations in services and equipment – such as “smart” appliances and electric cars – which enable customers to respond to incentives to reduce electricity consumption during peak demand. The comment recommended that DPU adopt a peak-time rebate plan similar to that adopted by Baltimore Gas & Electric (BG&E), once appropriate electric meters and associated consumer education and consumer protection programs are in place.

FTC Staff Comment Before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Regarding Its Investigation of Time-Varying Retail Rates for Electric Power (155.62 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association, Regarding Proposed Revisions To the NACHA Operating Rules Described in the Request For Comment - ACH Network Risk and Enforcement Topics

January 2014

Matter Number:

P124402

FTC staff filed a comment supporting NACHA’s proposal to strengthen its rules to monitor bank debit transactions conducted through the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) Network, including those that have been most closely associated with consumer fraud. The comment also urged NACHA to make clear that its thresholds do not represent an acceptable level for returns, but rather are a signal that enhanced scrutiny of a merchant’s business is warranted.

FTC Staff Comment Before NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association, Regarding Proposed Revisions To the NACHA Operating Rules Described in the Request For Comment - ACH Network Risk and Enforcement Topics (2.9 MB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Massachusetts House of Representatives Regarding House Bill 2009 (H.2009) Concerning Supervisory Requirements for Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Anesthetists

January 2014

Matter Number:

V140002

Staff submitted a comment, in response to a request by Massachusetts State Representative Kay Khan, regarding a bill that would eliminate certain supervision requirements for nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists. Staff concluded that these changes likely would benefit competition and consumers in Massachusetts. The comment further encouraged the Massachusetts legislature to consider adopting provisions that would permit APRNs to deliver the full range of health care services they are trained and certified to provide.

FTC Staff Comment Before the Massachusetts House of Representatives Regarding House Bill 2009 (H.2009) Concerning Supervisory Requirements for Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Anesthetists (3.18 MB)

FTC Staff Reply Comment Before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission Concerning a Proposed Program for Dynamic (Variable) Pricing of Electricity for Residential Customers, Formal Case Nos. 1086 and 1109

January 2014

Matter Number:

V140001

FTC staff submitted a comment in response to the District of Columbia Public Service Commission’s (DC PSC) request for comments on Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco’s) proposed dynamic pricing program for residential customers. The comment encouraged DC PSC to adopt the proposal as a constructive initial step toward improving the efficiency of the electric system in a way that can benefit many customers, but also leave the existing price structure in place for customers who do not (or cannot) respond to the efficiency incentives. It also recommended that DC PSC periodically review the effects of the proposed approach, with a focus on the accuracy of the price signals being conveyed, consumer participation in and satisfaction with the program, and methods to enhance consumer participation and satisfaction. The comment further recommended that DC PSC ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place with respect to the personal information that smart meters generate about customers and ensure that entities that receive such personal information protect it appropriately.

FTC Staff Reply Comment Before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission Concerning a Proposed Program for Dynamic (Variable) Pricing of Electricity for Residential Customers, Formal Case Nos. 1086 and 1109 (163.17 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Commission on Dental Accreditation Concerning Proposed Accreditation Standards for Dental Therapy Education Programs

December 2013

Matter Number:

V140000

FTC staff filed an advocacy comment with the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) regarding proposed accreditation standards for education programs for dental therapists. The comment praised CODA’s proposed accreditation standards for helping to facilitate the development of a nationwide dental therapy profession, but also recommended that CODA omit unnecessary language on supervision and scope of practice, which could constrain the discretion of states to determine dental therapists’ scope of practice and possibly deter innovation in dental care education.

FTC Staff Comment Before the Commission on Dental Accreditation Concerning Proposed Accreditation Standards for Dental Therapy Education Programs (561.04 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before the Public Service Commission of the State of Delaware Concerning its Proposal to Revised Its Rules for Certification and Regulation of Electric Suppliers

November 2013

Matter Number:

V130011

Docket Number:

FTC staff submitted a comment before the Public Service Commission (PSC) of the State of Delaware, in response to a request for comments on a proposal to revise its rules for certifying and regulating electricity suppliers. The staff comment noted the potential benefits of dynamic pricing, and encouraged the PSC to consider the potential costs associated with a proposal to require electricity suppliers to give customers at least five days’ advance notice of price changes. The comment identified alternatives to a five-day notice period that would provide consumers with the benefits of dynamic pricing via devices such as “smart meters” while assuring that consumers have accurate and timely electricity price information. The comment recommended that, if the PSC chooses to implement such alternatives, it could also require special prominence for disclosures pertaining to price variability and early termination charges in residential retail electricity sales contracts involving variable rates.

FTC Staff Comment Before the Public Service Commission of the State of Delaware Concerning Its Proposal to Revise Its Rules for Certification and Regulation of Electric Suppliers (97.84 KB)

FTC Staff Comment Before The Arizona Corporation Commission Concerning Retail Electric Competition, Docket No. E00000W-13-0135

July 2013

Matter Number:

V130010

Docket Number:

E00000W-13-0135

FTC staff submitted a comment in response to a request from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) for comments on retail electric competition in Arizona. The comment agrees with the ACC that it is timely for Arizona to consider retail competition that would enable consumers to select from specialized power suppliers using metering innovations now widely available in the state. Retail choice can help consumers match their preferences for bill savings, increased reliability, renewable power, and energy management services. For example, consumers can lower their bills by shifting power use away from periods when the power system depends on more costly generation resources or faces challenges to its reliability, and they can choose how much power to consume from renewable generation sources.

FTC Staff Comment Before The Arizona Corporation Commission Concerning Retail Electric Competition, Docket No. E00000W-13-0135 (114.96 KB)