A Republican bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The SAFE Act of 2026 aims to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to reauthorize and reform specific authorities. The bill focuses on increasing transparency and oversight regarding how the government accesses communications and data. It introduces new requirements for FBI query procedures, including mandatory training and prior approvals for sensitive queries. Additionally, the bill implements new protections for United States persons whose sensitive information may be purchased by agencies. It also establishes stricter rules for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and provides for periodic audits by the Inspector General. Finally, the bill modifies reporting requirements for unauthorized disclosures and allows the Attorney General to delay certain provisions for technical or personnel reasons.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill tightens requirements for government access to digital communications and personal data.
- Scored +8
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
The bill provides significant new protections for personal data held by online service providers and data brokers.
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates enhanced reporting by the Director of National Intelligence and requires public disclosure of court documents.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Protections for Sensitive Queries: The bill requires the FBI to obtain prior approval from an attorney before conducting queries involving sensitive groups, such as elected officials, judges, or religious organizations. (Section 101(b)(1)(A)(ii))
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Increased Accountability for FBI Employees: The act establishes procedures to hold FBI employees accountable for violations of law or procedure, including consequences like suspension of access or personnel file documentation. (Section 103(a)(b)(2))
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Stricter Rules for Government Data Acquisition: The bill limits the ability of the intelligence community to acquire "covered data" belonging to United States persons, except under specific circumstances like emergencies or court orders. (Section 501(a))
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Restrictions on Law Enforcement Purchasing Personal Data: It prohibits law enforcement agencies from obtaining covered personal data from data brokers in exchange for anything of value, with certain exceptions. (Section 502(a)(2))
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Improved Judicial Oversight: The bill expands the authority of the amicus curiae to assist the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and allows them to petition for the review of decisions. (Section 301(a))
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Mandatory Accuracy Procedures: New requirements are established to ensure that applications for court orders are accurate and include all material information that could call the findings into question. (Section 201(a)(2))
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Technical and Personnel Readiness: Under Section 701(b), the Attorney General can delay implementation to "develop and implement technical systems" or "to hire or train personnel." This could ensure that new laws are functional and properly managed before they are fully active.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Intelligence Acquisition: The limitations on the intelligence community's ability to acquire and query certain datasets could impact the effectiveness of intelligence gathering. (Section 501(a))
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Limitations on Law Enforcement Data Access: By restricting the ability of law enforcement to purchase personal data from data brokers, the bill may impact existing investigative methods. (Section 502(a))
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Compliance Burdens for Service Providers: The bill introduces new obligations and potential limitations for electronic communication service providers and those acting as intermediaries or ancillary service providers. (Section 503 and Section 505)
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Delayed Accountability: Under Section 701(b), the Attorney General has the authority to delay the implementation of a provision or amendment for "a period of not more than 180 days." This delay is permitted if a showing is made to the appropriate committees that it is necessary for technical systems or staffing.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill tightens requirements for government access to digital communications and personal data. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates enhanced reporting by the Director of National Intelligence and requires public disclosure of court documents.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill provides significant new protections for personal data held by online service providers and data brokers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The act establishes mandatory training, stricter approval requirements for sensitive FBI queries, and accountability procedures for compliance violations.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill provides enhanced protections for electronic communication service providers and more rigorous oversight for data acquisition.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — Increased data privacy protections may marginally benefit urban populations heavily reliant on digital services.
- 3/11/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/25/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming