The Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1223, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to allow certain small businesses to sell products directly to consumers across state lines without having to comply with certain federal regulations.
Under the DIRECT Act, businesses that meet specific criteria, such as having less than $10 million in annual revenue and selling products that are not subject to federal safety regulations, would be exempt from certain interstate commerce laws. This would allow these businesses to sell their products directly to consumers in other states without having to navigate the complex web of federal regulations that currently govern interstate commerce.
Supporters of the DIRECT Act argue that it would help small businesses expand their customer base and increase their revenue by allowing them to sell their products to consumers in other states. They also believe that it would reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses and promote economic growth.
Opponents of the DIRECT Act, however, are concerned that exempting certain businesses from federal regulations could compromise consumer safety and lead to an increase in fraudulent or unsafe products being sold across state lines. They argue that federal regulations are in place to protect consumers and ensure the safety and quality of products sold in the marketplace.
Overall, the DIRECT Act is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to balance the interests of small businesses with the need for consumer protection. It remains to be seen whether this bill will ultimately be passed by Congress and signed into law.