Right to Record Act of 2026

This bill would give people a right under federal law to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement activities that happen in public view. It would let a person sue a federal law enforcement officer, including an immigration officer, and the United States if that right is violated, with damages of at least $25,000 per violation and up to $100,000 in punitive damages for violations done with malice or reckless disregard. Violations would include ordering someone to stop recording, arresting or searching them for recording, or seizing or destroying their recordings. The right would not cover a person who physically restricts or restrains an officer. Federal law enforcement agencies would also have to train officers on this right every year.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Richard Blumenthal Democrat sponsor
• 1 cosponsors