US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB7816

Introduced
3/5/26  

Caption

Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026 Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act

Impact

If enacted, HB7816 would substantially affect the legal landscape pertaining to privacy and surveillance. It stipulates that law enforcement agencies cannot obtain covered customer records or any illegitimately acquired information in exchange for anything of value, which emphasizes a commitment to data privacy and civil liberties. Additionally, any evidence obtained in violation of these provisions would be inadmissible in court, strengthening the protections afforded to individuals against misuse of their data.

Summary

House Bill 7816, titled the 'Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026' along with the 'Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act', seeks to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978. The bill aims to implement significant reforms that enhance protections for United States persons against unlawful surveillance and the unwarranted collection of personal information by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Key provisions in the bill include prohibitions on warrantless queries for communications of U.S. persons and restrictions on obtaining certain customer records from data brokers without due process.

Contention

The proposed legislation has spurred debates among lawmakers, particularly concerning the balance between national security interests and protecting civil liberties. Proponents argue that the bill is crucial for safeguarding the rights of citizens, thereby rebuilding trust in government practices surrounding data collection. Conversely, critics may assert that some provisions could hinder the operational effectiveness of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in preventing crimes and terrorism. Notably, the bill calls for a clear definition of 'covered persons' and includes procedural changes that involve oversight by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, aiming for greater transparency in surveillance activities.

Companion Bills

US HB8035

Related To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20, 2027, and for other purposes.

US HB8322

Related To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 30, 2026, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US SB4082

Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2026

US HB8512

To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 20, 2029, and for other purposes.

US HB8178

Protecting Americans from Unauthorized Surveillance Act

US HB8035

To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20, 2027, and for other purposes.

US HR38

Memorializes Congress to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and to restore the rights of privacy and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

US HB8322

To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 30, 2026, and for other purposes.

US SB4444

A bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through May 21, 2026, and for other purposes.

US SB4465

A bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

US HB117

Fourth Amendment Restoration ActThis bill repeals the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (which authorizes various types of searches and surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes) and limits surveillance of U.S. citizens.The bill requires that an officer of the U.S. government obtain a warrant for certain search and surveillance activities against a U.S. citizen, including (1) conducting electronic surveillance, (2) conducting physical searches of property under a U.S. citizen's exclusive control, or (3) targeting a U.S. citizen to acquire foreign intelligence information.The bill provides for criminal penalties for a person who intentionally (1) violates these requirements without statutory authorization, or (2) discloses or uses information that the person knows (or has a reason to know) was obtained under color of law by methods that violate these requirements. Information about a U.S. citizen acquired under Executive Order 12333 (relating to intelligence gathering) or during surveillance of a non-U.S. citizen shall not be used against the U.S. citizen in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding or investigation.  

US HR1175

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8035) to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20, 2027, and for other purposes.

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