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HR 50 101th Congress House

Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1989

Official title: To regulate the conduct of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in certain matters relating to the exercise of rights protected by the first article of amendment to the Federal Constitution.

Introduced: March 29, 1990 See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority IssuesCivil actions and liabilityConstitutional tortsCriminal investigationGovernment Operations and Politics
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This bill died when the 101st Congress ended
It never became law before the 101st Congress (1989–1990) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 3, 1989
Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Jan 3, 1989
Introduced in House
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 Latest action January 3, 1989

Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1989 - Prohibits the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from initiating or conducting any investigation that may involve the collection of information about the exercise by a U.S. person of first amendment rights, except as specified. Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines for investigations covered by this Act.

Sets forth standards to be followed by the FBI in the conduct of an investigation, the disposition of any records obtained, and the periodic review of open investigations.

Provides a civil remedy for any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act.

Waives the provisions of this Act with respect to background investigations conducted with the consent of the subject regarding: (1) nominees to judicial and executive branch positions requiring the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) employees of the Department of Justice; or (3) the granting or retention of security clearances.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
 Cosponsors 2
All 2 Democratic 2
D
Markey, Edward J.
Massachusetts · Mar 29, 1990
 D
Pelosi, Nancy
California · Nov 3, 1989
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 50: Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1989. 101st Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-50/
MLA
"H.R. 50: Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1989." 101st Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-50/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 50, 101st Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-50/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 50: Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1989](https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-50/)
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