What does Preamble of Right to Record Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to establish a legal cause of action for violations of the right to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Right to Record Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Right to Record Act of 2026.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING FIRST AMENDMENT AND RIGHT TO of Right to Record Act of 2026 do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the First Amendment and the right to record, observe, or peacefully protest. Congress recognizes that the First Amendment protects the right to record law enforcement officers and other public officials in public view. Congress also acknowledges the right to observe the actions of law enforcement and engage in peaceful protests and other expressive activities. The section indicates that Congress may establish an express statutory cause of action to enhance remedies for individuals whose First Amendment rights in this area are violated.

What does RIGHT TO RECORD, OBSERVE, OR PEACEFULLY PROTEST LAW ENFORCEMENT of Right to Record Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a right for individuals to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities. Federal law enforcement officers who violate this right are liable in civil court. Liability includes potential awards of actual damages, statutory damages (up to $25,000 per violation), and punitive damages (up to $100,000 per violation). The United States is also liable for the actions of federal law enforcement officers violating these rights, waiving sovereign immunity. The section defines specific actions that constitute violations, including preventing recording, threatening individuals, pursuing them after recording, and unlawfully seizing recording equipment or recordings. A limitation exists: the right does not extend to physically restricting or restraining officers taking official actions. Federal law enforcement agencies are required to provide annual training to officers on respecting these rights. The definition of 'law enforcement activities' includes official actions taken in public view by an officer acting under color of law.

What does RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. of Right to Record Act of 2026 do?

This Act is to be construed to broadly protect the right to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities and the right to access and document information about matters of public interest. The Act does not diminish existing First Amendment protections for activities outside its scope. It does not preclude any existing legal causes of action for First Amendment violations. The Act does not limit or preclude available legal remedies for First Amendment violations. The Act does not preclude other causes of action for violations by officers acting under color of law regarding the right to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities.

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Right to Record Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/8/2026 · Introduced: 6/8/2026

Author: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a legal right for individuals to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities in public view.
Federal law enforcement officers who violate this right are subject to civil lawsuits, potentially resulting in awards of actual, statutory, and punitive damages, with the United States waiving sovereign immunity.
Federal law enforcement agencies must provide annual training to officers on respecting the right to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 9189(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

5 sections

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