H.R. 5028: Security and Accountability For Everyone Act of 2025
This bill, titled the Security and Accountability For Everyone Act of 2025 or SAFE Act of 2025, proposes changes to the legal framework surrounding the privacy rights of individuals and the accountability of federal personnel under the Privacy Act of 1974.
Key Provisions
- Liability for Federal Personnel: The bill introduces provisions that allow individuals to take civil action against federal employees for intentional or willful violations of privacy that result in demonstrable harm.
- Definition of Covered Government Employees: It expands the definition of "covered special government employees" to include certain federal employees who do not serve on advisory committees, hold positions at or above a specific grade level (GS-13 or equivalent), and are not interns or unpaid volunteers.
- No Immunity Defense: The bill specifies that federal personnel cannot use governmental immunity as a defense if they are found to have engaged in intentional or willful wrongful conduct.
- Remedies for Violations: If a civil action is successful, the bill establishes that federal personnel may be held personally liable for damages, meaning they will be required to pay the harmed party directly, rather than the federal government paying these claims.
- Reimbursement to the Department of Justice: If a federal employee is defended by the Department of Justice and is found liable for wrongdoing, the court may require them to reimburse the legal costs incurred by the Department.
- State Attorney General Authority: The bill allows state attorneys general to file suit on behalf of their residents if they believe those residents' interests have been harmed by federal conduct that is deemed intentional or willful.
Overall, the SAFE Act of 2025 aims to enhance accountability for federal employees regarding privacy violations, allowing individuals greater recourse against wrongful conduct and establishing clearer guidelines for the liability of government personnel.
Relevant Companies
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Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Aug. 22, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Aug. 22, 2025 | Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. |
Corporate Lobbying
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