Bill · H.R. 9189· House(119-HR-9189)
Right to Record Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/8/2026
- Last activity
- 6/8/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Maxwell Frost
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Right to Record Act of 2026 establishes a legal way for people to sue Federal law enforcement officers and the United States if their right to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities is violated. It defines specific prohibited actions, such as intimidating people or unlawfully seizing recording equipment. Injured parties may receive actual, statutory, or punitive damages. The bill also requires Federal law enforcement agencies to provide annual training to officers on these rights.
Yes· 3 of 26
Would immigrants be better off under this?+9
Specifically includes immigration officers in the scope of accountability for rights violations.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+9
Strengthens First Amendment protections through a statutory cause of action.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+9
Directly protects and provides remedies for the First Amendment right to record and protest.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?-5
Explicitly prohibits the use of surveillance to retaliate against people for recording or protesting.
Does this give the federal government more power?-3
Increases the liability of the federal government by waiving sovereign immunity in civil actions.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
Potential increase in federal spending due to statutory and punitive damage payouts to plaintiffs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Redress for Rights Violations: Individuals who have their rights violated can seek actual damages, statutory damages of $25,000 per violation, or punitive damages up to $100,000 for violations involving malice or reckless disregard. (Section 3(b)(1) and 3(b)(2))
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Accountability for the Government: The United States is held liable for the conduct of Federal law enforcement officers regardless of agency policy or officer immunity, as the Act constitutes a waiver of sovereign immunity. (Section 3(b)(2))
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Protection Against Retaliation: The bill explicitly prohibits officers from threatening, intimidating, harassing, or using surveillance to retaliate against people for recording or protesting. (Section 3(b)(3)(B), 3(b)(3)(D), and 3(b)(3)(G))
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Legal Support: Prevailing plaintiffs are entitled to an award of reasonable attorney's fees and costs. (Section 3(d))
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Officer Education: The bill mandates that every Federal law enforcement officer receive annual training on how to respect the right to record, observe, or peacefully protest. (Section 3(e))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Rights Due to Physical Restriction: A person loses the right to record, observe, or peacefully protest if they physically restrict or restrain an officer who is taking official actions under color of law. (Section 3(c)(1))
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 Immigrants+9Good For African Americans+8Good For Hispanic Americans+8Good For Asian Americans+7Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Native Americans+7Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Students+7Good For Urban Residents+7Good For White Americans+7Good For Billionaires+6Good For High Income Households+6Good For High Net Worth Individuals+6Good For Middle Class Households+6Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+6Good For Young Adults+6Good For Middle Aged+5Good For Seniors+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+9Improves Government Transparency+8Improves Due Process+5Improves Privacy Rights+5Increases Federal Power-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+9Improves Policing Reform+8Improves Racial Equity+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility-2Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+4
- 8/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/8/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan