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HR 3024 106th Congress House

Netizens Protection Act of 1999

Official title: To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to restrict the transmission of unsolicited electronic mail messages.

Introduced: October 5, 1999 Introduced by: Smith, Christopher H. Republican · New Jersey See on congress.gov
Science, Technology, Communications Civil actions and liabilityCommerceConsumer complaintsConsumer education
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Consumer protectionDamagesDeceptive advertisingDirect mail advertisingElectronic commerceElectronic mail systemsGovernment Operations and PoliticsIdentification devicesInjunctionsInternet service providersLawLegal feesLiability (Law)Mailing listsPunitive damages
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This bill died when the 106th Congress ended
It never became law before the 106th Congress (1999–2000) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 20, 1999
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Oct 6, 1999
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2037)
Oct 5, 1999
Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
Oct 5, 1999
Introduced in House
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 Latest action October 20, 1999

Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Netizens Protection Act of 1999 - Prohibits any person from initiating the transmission of an unsolicited electronic mail (e-mail) message in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce if such message: (1) does not contain the name, physical address, and e-mail address of the sender; (2) does not provide an electronic method for contacting the sender to request that no further messages be sent; or (3) is part of a bulk transmission of such messages and includes information that is false or misleading with respect to the body of the message. Provides a private right of action for violations of such prohibition.

Requires each interactive computer service provider to make available to each of its customers its policy regarding unsolicited e-mail, including options for the customer to elect to receive or not receive such e-mail. Prohibits customers from using the equipment or facilities of the provider to initiate the bulk transmission of an unsolicited e-mail message if the provider's policy prohibits such bulk transmissions. Provides a right of action for providers adversely affected by customer violations of such prohibition.

States that a provider who in good faith takes action to restrict or prevent the receipt of unsolicited e-mail by its customers shall not be liable for any harm resulting from the failure to prevent such receipt.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3024: Netizens Protection Act of 1999. 106th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3024/
MLA
"H.R. 3024: Netizens Protection Act of 1999." 106th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3024/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3024, 106th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3024/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3024: Netizens Protection Act of 1999](https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3024/)
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