Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The bill increases statutory fines and maximum penalties for unauthorized access to or wrongful disclosure of federal data. It raises civil damages under the Privacy Act and increases criminal fine maximums under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for certain offenses.
Progressives emphasize whistleblower and press-exemption concerns
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a straightforward substantive amendment that directly increases statutory monetary penalties across a set of identified provisions.
The bill increases statutory fines and maximum penalties for unauthorized access to or wrongful disclosure of federal data.
It raises civil damages under the Privacy Act and increases criminal fine maximums under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for certain offenses.
It raises fines for unauthorized disclosures by the Social Security Administration, HHS, IRS, and Census.
Technically narrow, law‑and‑order/cybersecurity framing usually wins bipartisan assent; no major fiscal or federalism barriers.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a straightforward substantive amendment that directly increases statutory monetary penalties across a set of identified provisions. It clearly states its purpose and specifies the statutory targets and new amounts in most places. Drafting artifacts and at least one ambiguous insertion in the CFAA provision reduce clarity. The bill does not include fiscal analysis, implementation timing, or oversight provisions.
Progressives emphasize whistleblower and press-exemption concerns
These are examples from the analysis, not a ranked list of the most-affected groups.
Progressives emphasize whistleblower and press-exemption concerns
Likely supportive of stronger deterrence for data breaches but concerned about civil liberties and whistleblower consequences.
Sees value protecting personal data but worries about chilling effects on government oversight, reporting, and journalism.
Would look for safeguards for good-faith disclosures and protections for whistleblowers.
Generally favorable because the bill strengthens deterrence without creating new crimes.
Wants clearer statutory language to avoid overbroad application and ensure proportional penalties.
Will weigh benefits for data security against administrative fairness and enforcement clarity.
Likely supportive as a measure that strengthens penalties against unauthorized access and protects government and taxpayer data.
Views higher fines as a useful law-and-order tool to deter hackers and leaks.
May check for any undue expansion of federal discretion.
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Still ahead
Still ahead
Still ahead
Technically narrow, law‑and‑order/cybersecurity framing usually wins bipartisan assent; no major fiscal or federalism barriers.
The bill has not accumulated any surfaced votes yet.
Progressives emphasize whistleblower and press-exemption concerns
Technically narrow, law‑and‑order/cybersecurity framing usually wins bipartisan assent; no major fiscal or federalism barriers.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a straightforward substantive amendment that directly increases statutory monetary penalties across a set of identified provisions. It clearly states its purpose a…
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