PRIVACY Act

Full Title:
PRIVACY Act

Summary#

This bill would stop federal law enforcement from using or getting access to surveillance devices and data operated by state or local law enforcement without a federal warrant. It creates a "Jurisdictional Wall List" of covered technologies (for example, automated license plate readers, cameras that capture vehicle occupants, continuous‑coverage cameras, long‑range microphones, electronic fingerprint detection, and field chemical scanners). The Attorney General would keep and review the list at least every 90 days and publish additions before they take effect.

The bill sets rules for when federal agencies may access covered surveillance data: generally only with a warrant from a federal judge. It limits how long agencies can keep the data (30 days unless a court extends retention for good cause, or the data is evidence in a prosecution). Data obtained or retained in violation of the bill is not admissible in federal court, and the government must still disclose such data under existing discovery rules. Agencies must keep records of access and report to the Attorney General. The Attorney General must write rules for minimizing unnecessary data, auditing, and training. The bill also bans federal funding to buy, acquire, or install devices on the Wall List, with specific exceptions. It creates civil and administrative remedies for violations and requires inspector general audits. The bill would take effect 180 days after enactment.

What it means for you#

  • Federal agents generally must get a federal warrant to access surveillance collected by state or local agencies using listed devices.
  • There are limited exceptions: emergencies involving imminent danger and voluntary, informed written consent.
  • If covered data is obtained without following the bill's rules, that data cannot be used as evidence in federal court and must be disclosed when required by discovery rules.
  • The Attorney General will publish the types of covered devices and report to Congress every 180 days on federal uses and exceptions.
  • Federal funds would generally be barred from buying the listed devices, with a few specific grant and operational exceptions.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs, appropriations, or estimated budgetary effects is included in the bill text or metadata.

Proponents' View#

The bill text states its purpose is to prevent federal law enforcement from using state or local surveillance equipment or data to circumvent warrant requirements and to protect privacy through a Jurisdictional Wall List, retention limits, auditing, reporting, and remedies for violations.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' views or stated objections is included in the bill text or metadata.