H.R. 10609: Don’t Spy On Me Act of 2026

This bill would stop federal government agencies from creating or keeping “vehicle fingerprinting” databases. In plain terms, it is aimed at databases that use automated license plate readers and then link a person’s name or a car’s license plate to other identifying details, such as:

• vehicle features, like a bumper sticker, roof rack, damage, make, model, or color; or
• location information, including places a vehicle has been and how often it visits them.

The bill says a government agency’s head could not establish or maintain such a database.

If a government agency violates this rule, the bill would let any person or entity whose information was included in the database sue the agency in federal court. A successful lawsuit could result in:

• actual damages for harm caused by the violation;
• a $25,000 payment if the court finds the agency specifically targeted that person or entity;
• a court order to stop the violation; and
• payment of reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

The bill defines a “Government agency” by reference to an existing federal law. It does not create a new criminal penalty; instead, it creates a civil enforcement process allowing affected parties to seek compensation and court orders.

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