Surveillance Accountability Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Surveillance Accountability Act aims to strengthen Fourth Amendment protections by requiring warrants based on probable cause for most government searches that significantly impact privacy. It specifically addresses government access to data held by third-party providers like internet and financial services companies, prohibiting such access without a warrant. The bill also establishes a right of action for individuals to sue when their Fourth Amendment rights are violated and clarifies the definition of ‘search’ to encompass various forms of government surveillance and data collection.
Key provisions
- Requires a warrant based on probable cause for most government searches that impact privacy.
- Prohibits warrantless access to data held by third-party providers without a warrant.
- Establishes a right of action for individuals to sue over Fourth Amendment violations.
- Defines ‘search’ broadly to include surveillance and data collection activities.
- Clarifies exceptions for plain-view searches, identification verification, and lawful public information.
- Specifies limitations on exceptions, particularly regarding biometric data and license plate readers.
- Creates a new provision allowing attorney’s fees in successful Fourth Amendment lawsuits (excluding the United States).
- Defines ‘Federal employee’ for purposes of liability under the new provision.
Who is affected
- Individuals
- Government agencies
Bill text
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Sponsors
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2 on record
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