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Read. Follow. Verify.Proposed 'Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act'
Record date · June 24, 2026
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What This Bill Does
This proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act would restrict how government agencies use subpoenas to obtain phone and app-based records. It aims to prevent the bulk collection of data and prohibits using subpoenas to target constitutionally protected activities like free speech or religious practice.
If enacted, this amendment would change the legal requirements for federal agencies seeking digital records, requiring them to certify that subpoenas are not targeting protected speech and mandating public reporting on the use of s.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Federal governmental entities
These agencies must provide new certifications for subpoenas and publish annual reports on their use of administrative subpoenas.
Service providers
These companies receive new guidance on their rights to notify customers about subpoenas and their obligations regarding government disclosures.
General public
Individuals whose digital records are subject to government subpoenas gain new protections against the targeting of constitutionally protected activities.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bill stop the government from ever getting my phone records?
Can a service provider tell me if the government has subpoenaed my data?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Increased Transparency for Administrative Subpoenas
The amendment introduces a new requirement for federal agencies to publicly report the volume and statutory basis of their administrative subpoenas, a move toward greater oversight of non-judicial data requests.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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