An Act to amend title 5, United States Code, by adding a section 552a, to safeguard individual privacy from the misuse of Federal records, to provide that individuals be granted access to records concerning them which are maintained by Federal agencies, to establish a Privacy Protection Study Commission, and for other purposes.
Latest action (31 Dec 1974): Signed by President.
What this bill does
S. 3418, sponsored by Sen. Samuel Ervin (D-NC) in the 93rd Congress, is a bill whose stated purpose, according to its title, is to amend title 5 of the United States Code by adding a new section 552a. According to the title, its aims are to protect individual privacy from misuse of federal records, to allow individuals to gain access to records about them held by federal agencies, and to establish a Privacy Protection Study Commission. Because the full text of the bill has not been made available here, the specific mechanisms, definitions, requirements, and any exceptions it contains cannot be described—only these stated purposes drawn from the title.
Based on the title, the bill would primarily affect federal agencies, which would be subject to new obligations regarding how they collect, maintain, and disclose records on individuals, and it would affect members of the public, who would gain some ability to access records federal agencies keep about them. The nature and scope of any obligations, rights, or penalties cannot be detailed without the enacted text.
In terms of process, the bill was introduced on May 1, 1974, and has completed the legislative process: it was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on December 31, 1974. No further congressional action is required, as the bill has been enacted. Readers seeking the specific legal requirements it created should consult the published text of the enacted law, generally known by its short title, the Privacy Act of 1974.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
(LATEST SUMMARY) Privacy Act - Prohibits disclosure by Federal agencies of any record contained in a system of records, except pursuant to a written request by or with the prior written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains. Makes exceptions to this prohibition for use of such records by the individual involved, the Congress, the courts, officers of the agency maintaining the record, the Bureau of the Census, and for criminal and civil law enforcement purposes. Requires agencies which keep records systems to keep account of disclosures of records, and to inform the subjects of such disclosures. Allows subjects of records to have access and copying rights to such records. Establishes a procedure for amendment of such records, and of judicial appeal of agency refusal to amend. Requires relevancy of records to official purposes; accuracy; disclosure of purposes to informants; publication annually of the existence, character, and accessibility of records systems; and appropriate safeguards to maintain confidentiality of such records. Prohibits maintenance of records describing individuals' exercise of first amendment rights, with specified exceptions. Requires recordkeeping agencies to establish rules relating to notice, access, and amendment. Permits civil suits against agencies by individuals adversely affected by agency actions not in compliance with this Act. Describes remedies available in such actions. Sets forth criminal penalties for noncompliance with this Act. Provides for exemptions from this Act, such as for specified records of the Central Intelligence Agency and records of investigations compiled for law enforcement purposes. Prohibits an agency from selling or renting an individual's name and address. Requires agencies to notify the Congress and Office of Management and Budget in advance of any proposal to establish or alter records systems. Requires the President to report to the Congress annually on the number of records which were exempted from the coverage of this Act. Establishes the Privacy Protection Study Commission to study government and private data systems and make recommendations for protecting privacy by the application of this Act or additional legislation. Lists suggestive and required areas of study for the Commission. Grants subpena power to the Commission. Makes it unlawful for Federal, State, or local agencies to deny legal rights, benefits, or privileges to individuals because of such individuals' refusal to disclose their social security account number.
Timeline
31 Dec 1974
Signed by President.
18 Dec 1974
House agreed to Senate amendments with an amendment.
17 Dec 1974
Senate agreed to House amendments with an amendment, roll call #567 (77-8).
11 Dec 1974
Measure passed House, amended (provisions of H.R. 16373 inserted as passed House).
21 Nov 1974
Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #496 (74-9).
26 Sep 1974
Reported to Senate from the Committee on Government Operations with amendment, S. Rept. 93-1183.
Common questions
- What does S. 3418 do?
- S. 3418, sponsored by Sen. Samuel Ervin (D-NC) in the 93rd Congress, is a bill whose stated purpose, according to its title, is to amend title 5 of the United States Code by adding a new section 552a. According to the title, its aims are to protect individual privacy from misuse of federal records, to allow individuals to gain access to records about them held by federal agencies, and to establish a Privacy Protection Study Commission. Because the full text of the bill has not been made available here, the specific mechanisms, definitions, requirements, and any exceptions it contains cannot be described—only these stated purposes drawn from the title. Based on the title, the bill would primarily affect federal agencies, which would be subject to new obligations regarding how they collect, maintain, and disclose records on individuals, and it would affect members of the public, who would gain some ability to access records federal agencies keep about them. The nature and scope of any obligations, rights, or penalties cannot be detailed without the enacted text. In terms of process, the bill was introduced on May 1, 1974, and has completed the legislative process: it was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on December 31, 1974. No further congressional action is required, as the bill has been enacted. Readers seeking the specific legal requirements it created should consult the published text of the enacted law, generally known by its short title, the Privacy Act of 1974.
- Has S. 3418 become law?
- Yes. S. 3418 has been enacted. Status last updated 31 Dec 1974.
- Who sponsored S. 3418?
- S. 3418 was sponsored by Sen. Samuel Ervin [D-NC, 1954-1974] (Democrat-NC), with 17 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3418?
- Signed by President. (31 Dec 1974).
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