Legis Daily

Email Privacy Act

USA119th CongressHR-9016| House 
| Updated: 5/22/2026
Suzan K. DelBene

Suzan K. DelBene

Democratic Representative

Washington

Cosponsors (1)
Warren Davidson (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Email Privacy Act aims to modernize privacy protections for electronic communications stored by third-party service providers, such as email and cloud storage services. It primarily strengthens the requirements for governmental entities to access stored electronic communications content, balancing consumer privacy with law enforcement needs. A key provision of the bill is the amendment to 18 U.S.C. 2703, which mandates that law enforcement generally obtain a warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction to compel the disclosure of stored electronic communication content. This change eliminates the previous distinction that allowed access to communications stored for more than 180 days with a subpoena or court order, effectively requiring a warrant for all stored content regardless of age. The bill also repeals subsection (b) of 2703, which previously governed access to older communications. Furthermore, the Act clarifies the conditions under which providers may voluntarily disclose information under 18 U.S.C. 2702, expanding the definition of who can provide lawful consent for such disclosures. It also permits providers of electronic communication or remote computing services to notify subscribers or customers when they receive a warrant, court order, or subpoena for their data, unless otherwise prohibited. The legislation also clarifies that its provisions do not alter existing authorities for governmental entities to obtain communications from a provider's own employees or agents, or for communications that are publicly available advertisements. Additionally, it explicitly states that the bill does not limit the power of inquiry vested in Congress by the Constitution.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8961
Email Privacy Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9656
Email Privacy Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 115-387
Email Privacy Act
May 22, 2026
Introduced in House
May 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8961
    Email Privacy Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9656
    Email Privacy Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 115-387
    Email Privacy Act


  • May 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Email Privacy Act

USA119th CongressHR-9016| House 
| Updated: 5/22/2026
The Email Privacy Act aims to modernize privacy protections for electronic communications stored by third-party service providers, such as email and cloud storage services. It primarily strengthens the requirements for governmental entities to access stored electronic communications content, balancing consumer privacy with law enforcement needs. A key provision of the bill is the amendment to 18 U.S.C. 2703, which mandates that law enforcement generally obtain a warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction to compel the disclosure of stored electronic communication content. This change eliminates the previous distinction that allowed access to communications stored for more than 180 days with a subpoena or court order, effectively requiring a warrant for all stored content regardless of age. The bill also repeals subsection (b) of 2703, which previously governed access to older communications. Furthermore, the Act clarifies the conditions under which providers may voluntarily disclose information under 18 U.S.C. 2702, expanding the definition of who can provide lawful consent for such disclosures. It also permits providers of electronic communication or remote computing services to notify subscribers or customers when they receive a warrant, court order, or subpoena for their data, unless otherwise prohibited. The legislation also clarifies that its provisions do not alter existing authorities for governmental entities to obtain communications from a provider's own employees or agents, or for communications that are publicly available advertisements. Additionally, it explicitly states that the bill does not limit the power of inquiry vested in Congress by the Constitution.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8961
Email Privacy Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9656
Email Privacy Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 115-387
Email Privacy Act
May 22, 2026
Introduced in House
May 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8961
    Email Privacy Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9656
    Email Privacy Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 115-387
    Email Privacy Act


  • May 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Suzan K. DelBene

Suzan K. DelBene

Democratic Representative

Washington

Cosponsors (1)
Warren Davidson (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

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