summary
Introduced
03/09/2020
03/09/2020
In Committee
03/09/2020
03/09/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to extend surveillance authorities and expand amicus curiae protections under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. This bill expands the role and authority of amici curiae (outside parties appointed to assist courts in deciding certain cases) in proceedings before courts established under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA). The bill also extends certain FISA-authorized investigative powers, including the power to access certain business records for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations, to June 19, 2020. The bill expands the circumstances under which a FISA court shall appoint an amicus, such as when a case involves (1) a significant First Amendment issue, or (2) a request for approval of a new program or technology. Currently, the statute directs a FISA court to appoint an amicus only when a case involves a novel or significant interpretation of the law. Under the bill, an amicus may (1) raise any issue at any time even if the court did not request assistance on that issue, (2) access un-redacted copies of relevant FISA court documents and related information, and (3) petition the FISA Court of Review or the Supreme Court to review a decision by a FISA-authorized court.
AI Summary
This bill extends certain surveillance authorities and expands the role and authority of amici curiae (outside parties appointed to assist courts) in proceedings before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts. Specifically, the bill expands the circumstances under which a FISA court must appoint an amicus, such as when a case involves a significant First Amendment issue or a request for a new surveillance program. The bill also grants amici curiae more access to FISA court documents and the ability to raise issues and seek review of FISA court decisions even if not requested by the court. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration of certain FISA-authorized investigative powers, including access to business records for foreign intelligence and terrorism investigations, to June 19, 2020.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (on 03/09/2020)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3420/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s3420/BILLS-116s3420is.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s3420/BILLS-116s3420is.pdf.pdf |
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