Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB96

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

Buzz Off ActThis bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions.Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent for a photograph or recording that will be made available to the public.

Impact

The bill's implications for state and federal laws are significant. Should the Buzz Off Act be enacted, it would set a precedent limiting the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in their use of UAV technology. This regulation may not only impact surveillance operations at the federal level but could also influence local policing strategies that rely on similar technologies. As a result, the bill could prompt a reevaluation of existing policies regarding technology use in law enforcement and citizen privacy protections.

Summary

House Bill 96, titled the 'Buzz Off Act', aims to prohibit federal law enforcement agencies from using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to conduct surveillance on United States citizens. The bill is rooted in concerns over privacy and civil liberties, asserting that the use of drones for surveillance purposes infringes on the rights of individuals. The legislation seeks to create a clear boundary regarding the use of technology for monitoring citizens, laying out conditions under which such practices could be considered legal.

Contention

Notably, the legislation includes exceptions that would allow UAV use if authorized by the President or if a federal agency obtains a search warrant from a judge under specific conditions, primarily related to national security or terrorist threats. This creates a potential point of contention as critics argue that such exceptions could undermine the intended protections against unwarranted surveillance while supporters believe they are necessary for maintaining security against threats. The debates surrounding these provisions highlight the ongoing tension between public safety and civil liberties in the legal framework.

Congress_id

119-HR-96

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB84

Buzz Off Act This bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions. Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent.

US HB237

Fourth Amendment Restoration Act This bill limits surveillance conducted for foreign intelligence purposes. Specifically, the bill repeals provisions authorizing without a court order various types of searches and surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes, including electronic surveillance and access to business records. An officer of the U.S. government must obtain a warrant for certain search and surveillance activities against a U.S. citizen, including (1) conducting electronic surveillance, (2) conducting physical searches of property under a U.S. citizen's exclusive control, or (3) targeting a U.S. citizen to acquire foreign intelligence information. The bill provides for criminal penalties for a person who knowingly violates these requirements or otherwise obtains such information under color of law without statutory authorization. Information about a U.S. citizen acquired under Executive Order 12333 (relating to intelligence gathering) or during surveillance of a non-U.S. citizen shall not be used against the U.S. citizen in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding or investigation.

US HB402

Protect Communities from a Porous Border Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to notify a state before placing a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) in that state and gives the state final authority to prohibit such a placement. At least 10 business days before placing (e.g., detaining or housing) such an individual in a state, DHS must provide certain information to that state, including (1) the individual's biographic and biometric information, including DNA; and (2) a certification that the biometric and biographic information has been checked in various law enforcement and counterterrorism databases. No federal court shall have jurisdiction to review (1) the requirements and procedures established under this bill, or (2) a decision by a state to prohibit the placement of such an individual in the state. The bill also prohibits any federal official from waiving any of the bill's requirements.

US HB149

Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being made available to state or local governments that allow noncitizens to vote in federal, state, or local elections.

US HB154

Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification. Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed. An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters. The bill also requires an election official to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

US HB199

Secure America's Borders First Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to provide certain military assistance to Ukraine until a border wall system along the U.S.-Mexico border is completed and operation control of such border is achieved. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to funds made available to the Department of Defense and funds made available for security assistance or security cooperation.

US HB231

Terminate TikTok on Campus Act of 2023 This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds unless the IHE takes certain actions to ban the use of the social media video application TikTok. Specifically, the IHE must develop and implement standards and guidelines (1) prohibiting the use of TikTok on electronic devices owned or issued by the IHE, and (2) requiring the removal of TikTok from these devices. The bill includes an exception for research that (1) is conducted, supervised, or authorized by an IHE's faculty; and (2) pertains to national security, law enforcement, telecommunications, or cybersecurity.

US HB355

Back the Blue Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer. Additionally, the bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder; broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; and limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge. Finally, it directs the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies and nongovernmental organizations to promote trust and improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

US HB9678

Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland (FLASH) Act

US SB5571

A bill to impose sanctions with respect to foreign persons that knowingly engage in significant operations in the defense and related materiel sector or the surveillance technology sector of the economy of the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.