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Bill would require warrants for government data access

In committeeH.R. 8470Latest action

Sponsor: Thomas Massie · Representative · KY

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: Surveillance Accountability Act

119th Congress

Topics: Crime & justice

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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HR 8470 would require government agencies to get a court warrant before accessing your personal data or using facial recognition to track you.

50-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill would require government agencies to get a court order before searching personal data, even data stored with private companies like banks or cloud services. It would ban warrantless use of facial recognition, license plate readers, and similar tracking tools in public spaces. Exceptions exist for emergencies, things officers can plainly see, checking ID during a traffic stop, and information that is freely available to anyone online.

Who does it affect?

This bill applies to government agencies and officials, including federal employees, who conduct searches or use surveillance tools. People whose rights are violated could sue the official responsible and may have their legal fees covered.

Why does it matter?

Right now, data stored with a private company can sometimes be accessed by the government without a warrant, and user agreements can be used to allow that access. This bill would change that, meaning government access to personal data and public surveillance would face stricter legal requirements.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedApr 23, 2026
  2. House committeeYou are here · Apr 23, 2026
  3. House vote
  4. Senate
  5. The president's desk

Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Data as of October 9, 2026
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