Mr. García of Illinois (for himself, Mr. Khanna, and Ms. Hoyle of Oregon) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services
Prohibit public companies from repurchasing their shares on the open market.
Occurrences
Evidence
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
GovInfo lists H.R. 8612 as the Reward Work Act in the 119th Congress, with the full title to prohibit public companies from repurchasing shares on the open market. The last action listed is April 30, 2026: Rep. García introduced it for himself, Rep. Khanna, and Rep. Hoyle, and it was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. The bill version is Introduced in House.
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
SEC staff guidance describes Rule 10b-18 as a voluntary safe harbor for issuer repurchases when an issuer or affiliated purchaser bids for or purchases the issuer's common stock under specified manner, timing, price, and volume conditions. It also says the safe harbor applies to open-market purchases of common stock.
Assessments
The promised federal outcome has not been enacted. H.R. 8612, the Reward Work Act, would prohibit public companies from repurchasing shares on the open market, and Hoyle is listed among the introducing members/cosponsors in the 119th Congress. But the bill remains introduced and referred to the House Financial Services Committee, with no House passage, Senate passage, enactment, or equivalent SEC rule eliminating open-market buybacks. Because Hoyle materially advanced matching legislation while still in office, this warrants an effort badge, but not delivery.