Bill · H.R. 7816· House(119-HR-7816)
Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/5/2026
- Last activity
- 3/5/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Biggs
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 and Title 18 of the United States Code. It introduces reforms to prohibit warrantless queries for the communications of United States persons under certain conditions. The legislation also aims to prevent law enforcement and intelligence agencies from obtaining specific records from third-party data brokers in exchange for value. Additionally, it establishes new limitations on how government entities acquire information regarding location, web browsing, and search history.
Yes· 3 of 17
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+9
The bill enhances Fourth Amendment protections by limiting warrantless surveillance and data broker access.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+9
The bill prohibits the acquisition of certain customer records and location data from third-party brokers without strict oversight.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+6
The bill limits how government agencies can obtain sensitive personal data from third-party brokers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Prohibition on Warrantless Queries: The bill prohibits officers from conducting queries to find the contents of communications of United States persons without a warrant, consent, or specific emergency exceptions (Section 101(a)(1)).
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Protection Against Data Broker Purchases: It prevents law enforcement and intelligence agencies from obtaining covered customer records or illegitimately obtained information from third parties in exchange for anything of value (Section 202(a)(2)).
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Evidence Restrictions: Information obtained through prohibited data broker transactions cannot be used as evidence in any trial, hearing, or investigation (Section 202(a)(4)).
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Enhanced Role for Amici Curiae: The bill expands the authority for experts to assist the court in cases involving novel legal interpretations or significant civil liberties issues (Section 104(a)(1)).
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Increased Transparency for Service Providers: It requires that certain government directives issued to electronic communication service providers include a summary description of the services at issue (Section 103(a)(3)(D)(i)).
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Exclusive Means for Data Acquisition: The bill establishes that FISA titles are the exclusive means by which certain data, such as location information and web browsing history, can be acquired for foreign intelligence purposes (Section 206(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Emergency Queries: While exceptions exist, the bill limits the use of information obtained during emergency queries, stating it cannot be used in subsequent proceedings or investigations unless they arise from the threat that prompted the query (Section 101(a)(1)(B)(i)(II)).
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Limitations on Intelligence Gathering: The bill imposes strict limits on how intelligence agencies can obtain records from third parties, which may impact the ability of agencies to acquire certain information in exchange for value (Section 202(a)(2)).
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Sunset Provisions: Certain changes to the definition of electronic communication service providers are set to expire on December 31, 2026 (Section 102).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For L G B T Q Community+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Asian Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Men+4Good For Native Americans+4Good For White Americans+4Good For Women+4Good For High Income Households+3Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Middle Class Households+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+9Improves Government Transparency+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+9
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+2
- 4/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/12/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/5/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
- 119-HR-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.
- 119-HR-8322: 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.
Andrew ClydeRepublican · Georgia
Elijah CraneRepublican · Arizona
Paul GosarRepublican · Arizona
Clay HigginsRepublican · Louisiana
Mark HarrisRepublican · North Carolina
Scott PerryRepublican · Pennsylvania
Keith SelfRepublican · Texas