Swatting Registry Best Practices Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
This bill, the Swatting Registry Best Practices Act, would direct the Attorney General to create and issue guidance for state, tribal, territorial, and local governments on how to set up and run voluntary "swatting registries." Swatting is defined in the bill as intentionally making a false report to emergency services that causes a heightened law enforcement response. The guidance would include best practices for program design, data collection, incident response integration, privacy, and officer training.
The guidance would be developed in consultation with various experts, including law enforcement, technology providers, privacy advocates, and victims of swatting. The goal is to help these entities create registries that allow individuals at higher risk of swatting to voluntarily sign up, providing information that could help emergency responders verify calls and adjust their tactics to reduce unnecessary risks during false alarms. The bill specifies that it would not create a federal registry or require any local government to establish one.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. It is currently in the initial stages of the legislative process. If it moves forward, it would require approval from the House and the Senate, and then be signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9887 do?
- This bill, the Swatting Registry Best Practices Act, would direct the Attorney General to create and issue guidance for state, tribal, territorial, and local governments on how to set up and run voluntary "swatting registries." Swatting is defined in the bill as intentionally making a false report to emergency services that causes a heightened law enforcement response. The guidance would include best practices for program design, data collection, incident response integration, privacy, and officer training. The guidance would be developed in consultation with various experts, including law enforcement, technology providers, privacy advocates, and victims of swatting. The goal is to help these entities create registries that allow individuals at higher risk of swatting to voluntarily sign up, providing information that could help emergency responders verify calls and adjust their tactics to reduce unnecessary risks during false alarms. The bill specifies that it would not create a federal registry or require any local government to establish one. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. It is currently in the initial stages of the legislative process. If it moves forward, it would require approval from the House and the Senate, and then be signed by the President to become law.
- Has H.R. 9887 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9887. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9887?
- H.R. 9887 was sponsored by Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11] (D-VA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9887?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (22 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
National Coordination Center and Commercial Cyber Capabilities Codification Act
Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence in the United States.
Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act
More bills from Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]
Federal Employee Records Relief Act
Justice for Ukrainian Children Act
Military Installation Readiness and Resilience Act of 2026
Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.