Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act of 2025
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Feb 2025): Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
H.R. 1698, the Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act of 2025, would amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to exempt the contents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) Firearms Trace System database and certain licensee-kept firearm records from public disclosure. It would also establish fines for state, local, tribal, or foreign entities that unlawfully disclose this protected information, with penalties increasing for repeat violations.
The bill affects entities licensed to deal in firearms by allowing them to sue federal agencies or other governmental entities for damages and attorney fees if protected firearm trace data is unlawfully disclosed. Such entities could receive triple the damages suffered or $25,000 per disclosure, whichever is greater, plus punitive damages. The bill also waives sovereign immunity, allowing these lawsuits to proceed.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 27, 2025, and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It is currently in its early stages of the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
27 Feb 2025
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1698 do?
- H.R. 1698, the Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act of 2025, would amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to exempt the contents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) Firearms Trace System database and certain licensee-kept firearm records from public disclosure. It would also establish fines for state, local, tribal, or foreign entities that unlawfully disclose this protected information, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. The bill affects entities licensed to deal in firearms by allowing them to sue federal agencies or other governmental entities for damages and attorney fees if protected firearm trace data is unlawfully disclosed. Such entities could receive triple the damages suffered or $25,000 per disclosure, whichever is greater, plus punitive damages. The bill also waives sovereign immunity, allowing these lawsuits to proceed. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 27, 2025, and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It is currently in its early stages of the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 1698 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1698. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1698?
- H.R. 1698 was sponsored by Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3] (R-LA), with 25 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1698?
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (27 Feb 2025).
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