Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill would require a warrant before federal officials can search intelligence databases for information about Americans. Right now, agencies can query Section 702 data — collected by targeting foreigners abroad — for U.S. persons' emails and calls without court approval. This bill closes that loophole with narrow exceptions for emergencies, consent, and defensive cybersecurity.
• The "Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act" bans federal law enforcement from buying personal data — like location, biometrics, and browsing habits — from private data brokers. Instead, agents would need a warrant or court order. The ban also covers data shared between agencies and requires destruction of improperly obtained information.
• The bill extends warrant protections to modern digital records including location data, web browsing history, internet search queries, and data collected by connected vehicles. Law enforcement would need a warrant to access these categories of information, closing gaps in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986.
• Intelligence agencies that violate surveillance rules face escalating accountability measures. A first negligent violation triggers at least 90 days of suspended access; a second brings reassignment; a third carries a presumption of termination. Willful violations are treated even more harshly, with possible termination after a second offense.
• The bill dramatically increases transparency around government surveillance programs. It requires declassification of significant FISA Court opinions within 180 days, annual public reports on the number of Americans whose data is collected, and more granular reporting by companies that receive surveillance orders.
• Section 702 of FISA would be reauthorized for four years through April 20, 2030, but with major new restrictions. The bill narrows the definition of electronic communication service providers that can be compelled to assist, requires court approval for technical assistance demands, and mandates that surveillance have a 'primary' rather than merely 'significant' foreign intelligence purpose.

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Related Bills

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