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119th Congress

S. 3663

NDO Fairness Act of 2026

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor
Christopher A. Coons(D-DE)
Introduced
Jan 15, 2026
Policy area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Committees
Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Official text
Introduced in Senate · Congress.gov page

Cosponsors (5)

Original cosponsors (1)

Added later (4)

Summary

Summary by the Congressional Research Service· describes the “Introduced in Senate” version

NDO Fairness Act of 2026 This bill increases the requirements the government must meet to obtain a nondisclosure order (NDO) under the Stored Communications Act (SCA). The SCA generally prohibits providers of remote computing services or electronic communication services (providers) from disclosing stored electronic communications or records (e.g., emails) or information pertaining to customers or subscribers. However, the SCA authorizes the government seek a warrant, order, or subpoena to compel providers to disclose electronic communications or records or information pertaining to customers or subscribers during an investigation. Providers may notify customers and subscribers of the warrant, order, or subpoena unless the government obtains a court order—an NDO—that delays the notification. This bill raises the standard the government must meet to obtain (or extend) an NDO. The bill also requires the court, before issuing an NDO, to issue a written determination that the standard was met based on specific and articulable facts, and to review the underlying warrant, order, or subpoena. The bill requires NDOs to be narrowly tailored. It also limits their duration to 90 days for most investigations, though it permits a duration of up to one year for investigations pertaining to an offense involving child pornography or sexual exploitation of children. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Justice to report annually on NDO-related data, including the number of customers or subscribers targeted; applications for orders; orders granted, extended, or denied; and orders targeting members of the media or conduct related to certain protected activities.

Roll-call votes

No recorded votes on this bill.

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