PRIVACY Act
Latest action (15 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The PRIVACY Act (H.R. 9716) would restrict how federal law enforcement agencies can use surveillance data collected by state and local police. The Attorney General would create and maintain a "Jurisdictional Wall List" of technologies—such as automated license plate readers, continuous-coverage cameras, long-range microphones, and field chemical scanners—operated by state or local agencies. Federal agencies would generally need a warrant to access, query, or obtain data from listed devices, with limited exceptions for emergencies involving imminent danger and for voluntary consent. The bill sets retention limits (generally 30 days, with possible extensions), requires record-keeping, bars use of improperly obtained data as trial evidence while preserving disclosure obligations to defendants, and prohibits using such data to target people based on First Amendment activity. It also restricts federal grant funding for purchasing listed surveillance technologies, with exceptions for uses like toll collection or supervised school safety programs.
The bill primarily affects federal law enforcement agencies, their employees, and state/local agencies that receive federal funds or share surveillance data with federal authorities. Individuals whose data is collected could sue for violations, and agency employees who knowingly or recklessly violate the Act could face administrative penalties. The Attorney General and agency Inspectors General would be required to issue regulations, conduct audits, and report periodically to Congress.
The bill was introduced on July 15, 2026, by Rep. Keith Self and referred to the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform Committees. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and presidential signature to become law. If enacted, its provisions would take effect 180 days after enactment.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 15, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9716 do?
- The PRIVACY Act (H.R. 9716) would restrict how federal law enforcement agencies can use surveillance data collected by state and local police. The Attorney General would create and maintain a "Jurisdictional Wall List" of technologies—such as automated license plate readers, continuous-coverage cameras, long-range microphones, and field chemical scanners—operated by state or local agencies. Federal agencies would generally need a warrant to access, query, or obtain data from listed devices, with limited exceptions for emergencies involving imminent danger and for voluntary consent. The bill sets retention limits (generally 30 days, with possible extensions), requires record-keeping, bars use of improperly obtained data as trial evidence while preserving disclosure obligations to defendants, and prohibits using such data to target people based on First Amendment activity. It also restricts federal grant funding for purchasing listed surveillance technologies, with exceptions for uses like toll collection or supervised school safety programs. The bill primarily affects federal law enforcement agencies, their employees, and state/local agencies that receive federal funds or share surveillance data with federal authorities. Individuals whose data is collected could sue for violations, and agency employees who knowingly or recklessly violate the Act could face administrative penalties. The Attorney General and agency Inspectors General would be required to issue regulations, conduct audits, and report periodically to Congress. The bill was introduced on July 15, 2026, by Rep. Keith Self and referred to the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform Committees. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and presidential signature to become law. If enacted, its provisions would take effect 180 days after enactment.
- Has H.R. 9716 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Jul 2026, H.R. 9716 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9716?
- H.R. 9716 was sponsored by Rep. Keith Self [R-TX3] (Republican-TX), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9716?
- Introduced (15 Jul 2026).
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