The Right to Record Act of 2026 creates a federal civil lawsuit option for people whose right to record, observe, or peacefully protest law enforcement is violated by federal officers. Under this legislation, individuals could sue federal law enforcement officers and the federal government for damages ranging from $25,000 per violation up to $100,000 per violation if the officer acted with malice or reckless disregard for the person's rights, plus attorney's fees and costs. The bill prohibits federal officers from stopping, arresting, threatening, or retaliating against people for recording police activities or peacefully protesting in public spaces, though the protections do not apply if someone physically restrains an officer. Within one year of enactment and annually thereafter, all federal law enforcement agencies must train their officers on respecting these rights. The bill applies to all federal law enforcement agencies, including immigration officers, and explicitly waives the government's sovereign immunity for violations, meaning the U.S. can be held financially responsible for officer misconduct.
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