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To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide for liability for certain failures to disclose material information in connection with proxy voting advice, and for other purposes.

1/10/2024, 12:56 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4590

Bill 118 hr 4590, also known as the Proxy Voting Advice Reform Act, aims to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to hold proxy advisory firms accountable for failing to disclose important information when providing advice on shareholder voting decisions.

The bill seeks to address concerns that proxy advisory firms may not always provide accurate or complete information to shareholders when making recommendations on how to vote on important corporate matters. By requiring these firms to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that their advice is based on reliable and up-to-date information, the bill aims to improve transparency and accountability in the proxy voting process.

If passed, the Proxy Voting Advice Reform Act would impose liability on proxy advisory firms for any failures to disclose material information that could impact shareholder voting decisions. This would help ensure that shareholders have access to all relevant information when making important decisions about corporate governance and other matters. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integrity of the proxy voting process and promote greater transparency and accountability in corporate decision-making. It is currently under consideration in the US Congress and has the potential to have a significant impact on how proxy advisory firms operate and provide advice to shareholders.

Congressional Summary of HR 4590

This bill specifies what is considered a false or misleading statement concerning a material fact for liability purposes in the context of the sale or purchase of securities. Particularly, the bill specifies that this liability extends to certain actions performed by a proxy voting advice businesss. (Proxy voting advice businesses provide voting services and advice to institutional investors in public companies for proposals presented at shareholder meetings.)

Under the bill, a proxy voting advice business may be held liable if it fails to disclose its methodology, sources of information, or conflicts of interest, or if it makes a material misstatement when providing proxy voting advice.

Current Status of Bill HR 4590

Bill HR 4590 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 12, 2023. Bill HR 4590 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on July 12, 2023.  Bill HR 4590's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. as of July 12, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4590

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4590

Primary Policy Focus

Finance and Financial Sector

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4590

To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide for liability for certain failures to disclose material information in connection with proxy voting advice, and for other purposes.
To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide for liability for certain failures to disclose material information in connection with proxy voting advice, and for other purposes.

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