How does state law interact with FACT Act provisions?

• A. Federal protections are optional and state laws always override.
• B. State laws always supersede federal protections.
• C. There is no interaction; they operate independently.
• D. Federal protections set a baseline, and state laws may impose stricter requirements; where both apply, the more protective standard generally governs.

Answer: (D)

Federal protections establish the baseline for consumer protections under the FACT Act. States may enact stricter protections, and when both apply to the same situation, the more protective standard governs. This ensures consumers gain stronger protections from state laws without reducing federal protections. For example, if the federal act sets a minimum requirement, a state could require a longer fraud alert or additional safeguards, and that stricter state rule would prevail.