PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 16, 2017
Innocent Sellers Fairness Act
This bill exempts a seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products during the regular course of trade or business, unless the claimant proves that the seller:
was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer;
had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant;
had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product;
intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or
knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer.
The bill limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent.
People & committees
Rep. Farenthold, Blake [R-TX-27] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1118 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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