CPSC Outlines Criminal Referrals to Curb Overcriminalization in Safety Rules
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is sharing its plan to handle criminal enforcement under new rules from the President’s Executive Order on fighting overcriminalization. By May 11, 2026, CPSC will report all criminal offenses it enforces, the penalties involved, and the required mindset for violations. This helps make sure rules are clear and fair, affecting businesses and anyone dealing with product safety laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Factors CPSC will weigh before DOJ referrals
The CPSC announces a general policy that, subject to exceptions and law, its officers should consider specific factors before deciding to refer alleged criminal regulatory violations to the Department of Justice. Those factors include harm or risk of harm, whether an offense is strict liability (no mens rea), potential gain to the defendant, whether the defendant had specialized knowledge or a related license, and evidence of the defendant's awareness of the unlawfulness.
CPSC will list criminal offenses
By May 11, 2026, the CPSC will give the Office of Management and Budget a report listing all criminal regulatory offenses the CPSC or DOJ can enforce, the range of possible criminal penalties for each, and the mens rea (state of mind) required to convict. This listing will be produced in consultation with the Attorney General under Executive Order 14294.
Statutes, not regs, create crimes
The CPSC states that its regulations do not themselves create criminal penalties; criminal penalties exist only through underlying statutes. The CPSC will list any statutes that provide for criminal penalties, including strict liability offenses found in 16 CFR subchapters B, C, D, E, and F.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12749 — Safety Standard for Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Micromobility Products and Electrical Systems of Micromobility Products Containing Such Batteries
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to make lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products (like e-scooters and e-bikes) safer to prevent fires and injuries. They’re proposing new rules that require these batteries to meet tougher safety standards and, for kids’ products, to pass special third-party testing. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 24, 2026, to speak up—these changes could mean safer rides and possibly some new costs for makers.
2026-12695 — Notice of Commission Determination Regarding Technological Feasibility of Lead Content Reduction
The Consumer Product Safety Commission checked if it’s possible to lower lead limits in kids’ products and paints even more. They found the current rules already require the lowest lead levels that technology can handle, so no changes will happen now. This means manufacturers can keep making safe products without new costs or deadlines for now.
2026-12288 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Collection; Comment Request; Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads and Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking for your thoughts on keeping their rules about how mattresses and mattress pads must resist catching fire. This affects mattress makers and sellers who need to keep sharing safety info. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to help keep everyone safe and sound while they sleep!
2026-12210 — Proposed Settlement Agreement, Stipulation, Order and Judgement, etc.; Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, Inc.
Daikin Comfort Technologies is settling with the Consumer Product Safety Commission by agreeing to pay an $8.5 million fine. This deal fixes safety concerns about their products and helps keep consumers safe. People have until July 2, 2026, to share their thoughts before the settlement is final.
2026-11912 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Collection; Comment Request; Safety Standard for Button Cell or Coin Batteries and Consumer Products Containing Such Batteries
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking for your thoughts on continuing to collect info about safety rules for button cell batteries and products that use them. This affects companies making or selling these batteries and products, helping keep kids and everyone safe. Comments are open until August 14, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to share your voice!
2026-10817 — Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09641 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request; Securities Offering Disclosure Rules
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is asking for your thoughts on renewing its paperwork rules for companies offering securities. This means businesses involved in selling stocks or bonds might see no big changes but should keep an eye on deadlines. Comments are due by July 13, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!
Next: 2026-09643 — Assistance to Foreign Atomic Energy Activities Secretarial Determination
The U.S. Department of Energy just gave Thailand the green light to receive certain peaceful nuclear technology and help from the U.S. This means exports of controlled nuclear tech to Thailand are now generally allowed, speeding up cooperation without extra paperwork. This change starts right away and supports safe, peaceful nuclear partnerships.