Legis Daily

Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act

USA119th CongressHR-8966| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
Adriano Espaillat

Adriano Espaillat

Democratic Representative

New York

Cosponsors (3)
Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Thomas Massie (Republican)Eric Burlison (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act , aims to significantly reform the use of administrative subpoenas by governmental entities. It introduces new protections to prevent the misuse of these subpoenas for investigating activities protected by the Constitution, such as free speech, press, religion, assembly, or petition, or for retaliating against individuals engaged in such activities. To enforce this, governmental entities are now required to provide a certification under penalty of perjury affirming the legitimate and lawful purpose of any subpoena, ensuring it is not used for prohibited purposes. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits the bulk collection of subscriber information through administrative, grand jury, or trial subpoenas without specific identification of the individual. It mandates that governmental entities identify the subscriber or customer by name, address, network address, or account identifier. The bill also enhances transparency and due process by requiring federal entities to annually publish reports detailing the number of administrative subpoenas issued and the accounts for which information was obtained, disaggregated by statutory authority. Service providers are also explicitly informed that they may notify customers of a subpoena and seek legal counsel, unless a specific court order prevents such disclosure.
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Timeline
May 20, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4594
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 20, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4594
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act

USA119th CongressHR-8966| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This bill, known as the Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act , aims to significantly reform the use of administrative subpoenas by governmental entities. It introduces new protections to prevent the misuse of these subpoenas for investigating activities protected by the Constitution, such as free speech, press, religion, assembly, or petition, or for retaliating against individuals engaged in such activities. To enforce this, governmental entities are now required to provide a certification under penalty of perjury affirming the legitimate and lawful purpose of any subpoena, ensuring it is not used for prohibited purposes. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits the bulk collection of subscriber information through administrative, grand jury, or trial subpoenas without specific identification of the individual. It mandates that governmental entities identify the subscriber or customer by name, address, network address, or account identifier. The bill also enhances transparency and due process by requiring federal entities to annually publish reports detailing the number of administrative subpoenas issued and the accounts for which information was obtained, disaggregated by statutory authority. Service providers are also explicitly informed that they may notify customers of a subpoena and seek legal counsel, unless a specific court order prevents such disclosure.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 20, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4594
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 20, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4594
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Adriano Espaillat

Adriano Espaillat

Democratic Representative

New York

Cosponsors (3)
Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Thomas Massie (Republican)Eric Burlison (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted