Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act of 2025
Congress Proposes $25,000 Fines and Lawsuits for Leaking Federal Gun Trace Data
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would stop the public from using public records requests to get information from the national database that tracks guns used in crimes. It makes this tracking data and records kept by gun dealers strictly confidential under federal law.
- State and local governments that release this protected gun data would face fines of up to $25,000 per violation. If an agency breaks the rules multiple times, the federal government could block them from using the gun tracking system for one year.
- Licensed gun dealers would be allowed to sue government agencies if their business information is shared illegally. Dealers could win triple the amount of money they lost from the leak, or $25,000 for every piece of information that was shared.
- The bill removes the government's usual protection from being sued in these cases. This means a gun shop could take a federal, state, or local agency to court if that agency leaks sensitive records about the shop's inventory or sales history.
- Supporters of the change say it protects the privacy of law-abiding business owners and keeps sensitive police data safe. Critics often argue that keeping this data secret makes it harder for the public to see which stores sell the most guns used in crimes.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
People concerned with gun violence research and crime tracking could be indirectly affected. By adding firearm trace data as a new FOIA exemption and imposing steep penalties for disclosure, the bill makes it harder for journalists, researchers, and the public to identify patterns in gun trafficking or which dealers are linked to guns used in crimes. This could reduce public accountability but supporters argue it protects sensitive law enforcement investigative data.
Activities
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
FFL "Name and Shame" ATF Program Is Ending
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins' introduction of H.R. 1698, the Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act, would enhance safeguards for protected firearm trace data. The bill provides accountability for individuals who purposefully and unlawfully release sensitive law enforcement information.
ATF to End Controversial Demand 2 Program
The end of Demand 2 comes amid renewed legislative support to keep trace data private. NSSF has thrown its support behind Rep. Clay Higgins' bill, H.R. 1698, the Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act. The measure would reinforce the Tiahrt Amendment by holding violators accountable.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(23)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.