HR-3448 : Still Just a Bill

Small Cap Liquidity Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to establish a liquidity pilot program for securities of emerging growth companies (EGC) with total annual gross revenues of less than $750 million, under which those securities shall be quoted using either: (1) a minimum increment of $0.05, (2) a minimum increment of $0.10, or (3) the increment at which the securities would be quoted without regard to such minimum increments.

Repeals the requirement for a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) study examining the transition to trading and quoting securities in one penny increments, known as decimalization.

Requires EGC securities quoted at a minimum increment of $0.05 or $0.10 to be traded at either such minimum increment or at one permitted by SEC regulations.

Prescribes procedures for an EGC board of directors to elect either to opt out or to change the minimum increment.

Prescribes pricing and trading procedures governing securities trading below $1.00.

Directs the SEC to require an EGC under this Act to submit additional reports and disclosures.

Shields an issuer from liability for losses caused solely by the quoting or trading of its securities at a minimum increment of $0.05, $0.10, or another SEC-authorized increment.

Directs the SEC to report biannually to Congress on: (1) the quoting and trading of securities in increments permitted by this Act, and (2) the extent to which such quoting and trading increases liquidity and active trading by incentivizing capital commitment, research coverage, and brokerage support.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2014-02-12IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.Senate
2014-02-11VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 4 (Roll no. 62). (text: CR H1746-1747)House floor actions
2014-02-11FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1758)House floor actions
2014-02-11FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2014-02-11FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3448.House floor actions
2014-02-11FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1746-1748)House floor actions
2014-02-11FloorMr. Garrett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2014-02-05CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 252.House floor actions
2014-02-05CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 113-342.House floor actions
2013-11-14CommitteeOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 57 - 0.House committee actions
2013-11-14CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2013-11-12IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Financial Services.House floor actions
2013-11-12IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
2013-10-23CommitteeHearings Held by the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises Prior to Introduction and Referral.House committee actions

Policy Area :

Finance and Financial Sector
See Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Corporate finance and management
  • Financial services and investments
  • Securities
  • Small business
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Related Bills

See Related Bills