The Flock-Off Act prohibits federal agencies, state and local governments, and other recipients of federal funds from using federal money to purchase, operate, or maintain automated camera systems that capture biometric data or license plate information. The bill requires these entities to remove any existing covered camera systems within 180 days of enactment, with violations resulting in the withholding of further federal funding until reimbursed. Specific exceptions allow for the continued use of such systems within one mile of the U.S. borders for security purposes and on toll roads strictly for toll collection and enforcement.
This bill, titled the No TSA Data for ICE Act, prohibits the Transportation Security Administration from sharing passenger data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It specifically bars these agencies from using TSA information or data from private brokers to perform immigration enforcement functions. Additionally, the legislation prevents the denial, suspension, or early termination of Trusted Traveler programs like PreCheck and Global Entry if an individual's participation in First Amendment-protected activities is the reason. The law defines the restricted data as personally identifiable information about flight passengers obtained from the TSA or private sector entities.
The Fourth Amendment Restoration and Protection Act of 2026 restricts how U.S. intelligence agencies can surveil and use information about American citizens. It prohibits officials from conducting electronic surveillance, physical searches, or data collection specifically targeting United States persons under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and Executive Order 12333. Additionally, the bill bans government agencies from using search terms related to Americans to query intelligence databases and generally forbids using such collected information as evidence against those individuals in legal proceedings. The only exception allows an American citizen who was surveilled to use that same information in their own defense during a criminal, civil, or administrative case.
The Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act restricts how federal agencies can use administrative subpoenas to obtain phone and app records from service providers. It requires agencies to identify a specific person or account before requesting data, bans subpoenas aimed at investigating or retaliating against constitutionally protected activities like free speech, and mandates that agencies certify the subpoena's legitimate purpose. The law also allows service providers to notify customers about the subpoena and consult with lawyers, unless a court order specifically prevents such notification. Additionally, federal agencies must publicly report annually on the number of subpoenas issued and the total accounts affected.
The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act authorizes federal grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to fund long-term improvements to their campus facilities and infrastructure. These grants are awarded competitively to eligible HBCUs based on criteria such as the age of their facilities, deferred maintenance needs, financial capacity, and student enrollment levels. Recipients may use the funds to construct or renovate buildings, upgrade technology and broadband systems, improve safety measures, and develop workforce training hubs, while being prohibited from using the money for routine maintenance or athletic facilities. The legislation also includes provisions for reporting on project outcomes and requires institutions to create comprehensive master plans that involve consultation with diverse campus and community stakeholders.
The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and manufacture of vehicles and related technology from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to address national security concerns. The law defines prohibited items as connected vehicles, their software, and hardware components and sets different effective dates, with vehicle bans starting in 2027 and hardware restrictions beginning in 2030. A government official can grant exceptions for specific items after reviewing security risks and notifying Congress, while the agency must publish annual reports on enforcement actions and compliance.
The Guidelines for Use, Access, and Responsible Disclosure of Financial Data Act strengthens privacy protections for consumers by amending the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to require financial institutions to limit data collection to what is necessary, provide clearer privacy notices, and offer new rights for customers to access or delete their personal information. Key provisions include requiring explicit opt-in consent for sensitive data like biometric information, restricting how third parties can use consumer login credentials, and mandating that institutions disclose how they use artificial intelligence in processing financial data. The bill also establishes a right for former customers to request deletion of their data within 45 days and requires regulators to consider the impact of rules on smaller financial institutions with $15 billion or less in assets.
The Surveillance Accountability Act aims to strengthen Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless government searches, directly affecting federal employees involved in surveillance and individuals whose data or privacy is subject to government access. It generally mandates that government entities obtain a warrant based on probable cause for most searches, explicitly requiring one to access data held by third-party companies like internet providers or financial institutions. While outlining exceptions for situations like plain view or publicly available information, the bill specifically prohibits the warrantless collection or analysis of biometric data (e.g., facial recognition) or license plate reader data from public places without informed consent. Additionally, it creates a new legal avenue for individuals to sue federal employees who violate their Fourth Amendment rights, allowing for redress and attorney's fees.
The Tech to Save Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals by increasing access to technology-enabled care. It allows states to adopt and use telehealth tools under Medicaid for screening, monitoring, and managing health complications during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. The bill also establishes two grant programs: one to fund technology-enabled collaborative learning models for training maternal healthcare providers, especially in underserved areas, and another to increase access to digital tools that reduce maternal health disparities. Finally, it directs the National Academies to study the use of technology and patient monitoring devices in maternity care, focusing on racial and ethnic biases.
This bill, known as the SAT Streamlining Act, requires the Federal Communications Commission to process certain satellite and telecommunications licensing applications within specific timeframes, such as one year for new applications and 90 days for minor modifications. It directly affects companies and entities seeking to operate nongeostationary orbit and geostationary orbit space stations, along with their associated earth stations, by establishing clearer rules for how quickly the FCC must review and decide on these requests. The legislation also limits the amount of information applicants must provide to the FCC, prevents states from regulating rates for these services, and includes provisions for emergency situations and national security reviews. Additionally, if the FCC fails to decide on an application within the mandated deadline, the application is automatically considered approved.
