HR-4015 : Still Just a Bill

Corporate Governance Reform and Transparency Act of 2017

This bill amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) require a proxy advisory firm to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); and (2) prohibit an unregistered proxy advisory firm from using interstate commerce to provide proxy-voting research, analysis, or recommendations to any client.

With respect to such firms, the bill: (1) establishes procedures for both registration and termination of registration; (2) requires each firm to employ an ombudsman, designate a compliance officer, and file specified documents with the SEC; and (3) prohibits unfair, coercive, or abusive practices.

The SEC shall report annually on its website regarding registration applications and related matters.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2018-12-06CommitteeCommittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 115-455.Senate
2018-06-28CommitteeCommittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 115-406.Senate
2017-12-21IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.Senate
2017-12-20FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2017-12-20VoteOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 238 - 182 (Roll no. 702). (text: CR H10313-10315)House floor actions
2017-12-20VoteOn motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 189 - 231 (Roll no. 701).House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorPOSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, the Chair put the question on the motion and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Sarbanes demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion to recommit with instructions until a time to be announced.House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorThe previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to exempt proxy voting recommendations on shareholder proposals related to political campaign contributions of a company.House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorMr. Sarbanes moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Financial Services. (text: CR H10328)House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4015.House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorPrevious question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Rule provides for one hour of general debate for each bill. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in H.R. 2396 shall be considered as adopted. The rule also makes in order the amendment printed in the report. An amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4015 consisting of Rules Committee Print 115-46, shall be considered as adopted.House floor actions
2017-12-20FloorConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 657. (consideration: CR H10313-10330)House floor actions
2017-12-13FloorRule H. Res. 657 passed House.House floor actions
2017-12-12FloorRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 657 Reported to House. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Rule provides for one hour of general debate for each bill. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in H.R. 2396 shall be considered as adopted. The rule also makes in order the amendment printed in the report. An amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4015 consisting of Rules Committee Print 115-46, shall be considered as adopted.House floor actions
2017-12-07CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 333.House floor actions
2017-12-07CommitteeReported by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 115-451.House floor actions
2017-11-15CommitteeOrdered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 20.House committee actions
2017-11-15CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2017-10-11IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Financial Services.House floor actions
2017-10-11IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Finance and Financial Sector
See Subjects
  • Administrative remedies
  • Business ethics
  • Competition and antitrust
  • Corporate finance and management
  • Government information and archives
  • Licensing and registrations
  • Securities
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Related Bills

See Related Bills