Right to Record Act of 2026
Key claim: The Right to Record Act of 2026 (HR9189) was introduced in the 119th Congress and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Abstract
(HR9189 · 119th Congress) Latest action (2026-06-08): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Why this matters
A federal Right to Record Act would establish a statutory baseline for civilians (including journalists and bystanders) to record police and other government officials performing public duties, an activity currently protected only through varying circuit court First Amendment rulings. For affected groups — protesters, press, and communities with frequent law enforcement contact — the practical effect would depend on the bill’s remedies, exceptions, and preemption scope, none of which are yet clear at the introduced stage.