The Surveillance Accountability Act would require law enforcement and government agencies to obtain a warrant based on probable cause before conducting searches that significantly invade a person's privacy or security. The bill broadly defines "search" to include government surveillance, monitoring, and collection of personal data such as communications, financial records, geolocation, and biometric information. It specifically prohibits warrantless access to data held by third parties like internet service providers, financial companies, and data brokers, even if those companies consent to sharing the information. The legislation establishes a private right of action allowing individuals to sue government employees for Fourth Amendment violations and recover attorney's fees if they win their case. The bill does include narrow exceptions for plain-view observations, verification of government-issued ID documents, lawfully published information, and searches conducted with consent or under exigent circumstances, though it significantly restricts government use of facial recognition and license plate reader technologies without explicit informed consent.
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