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HR 50 102th Congress House Crime and Law Enforcement Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Civil actions and liability Constitutional torts Criminal investigation Government Operations and Politics

Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1991

Introduced: January 3, 1991 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 102nd Congress ended
It never became law before the 102nd Congress (1991–1992) 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 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 16, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.
Jan 3, 1991
Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Jan 3, 1991
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1991 - 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.

What's happening now April 16, 1991

Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 4
All 4 Democratic 3 Independent 1
D
Markey, Edward J.
Massachusetts · Oct 30, 1991
 I
Sanders, Bernard
Vermont · Oct 30, 1991
 D
Norton, Eleanor Holmes
District of Columbia · Jun 25, 1991
 D
Pelosi, Nancy
California · Jun 25, 1991
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 50: Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1991. 102nd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-50/
MLA
"H.R. 50: Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1991." 102nd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-50/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 50, 102nd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-50/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 50: Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1991](https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-50/)
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