Scott Fitzgerald

NDO Fairness Act

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 data related to NDOs, 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.

Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act

This bill removes less-than-lethal projectile devices (e.g., certain TASERs) from regulation under the Gun Control Act.

The term less-than-lethal projectile device means a device that (1) is not designed or intended to expel (and may not be readily converted to discharge) commonly used ammunition or projectiles exceeding a velocity of 500 feet per second; (2) is designed and intended to be used in a manner not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; and (3) does not accept (and cannot be readily modified to accept) an ammunition feeding device.

The bill also requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether a device satisfies the definition of a less-than-lethal projectile device within 90 days of a request.