PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 6, 1999
Personal Privacy Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that whoever, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce and for commercial purposes, persistently follows or chases a person in a manner that causes that person to have a reasonable fear of bodily injury, in order to capture by a visual or auditory recording instrument any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of that person, shall: (1) if death or serious bodily injury results, be fined, imprisoned, or both; and (2) be liable in a civil action for appropriate relief.Provides for civil liability of anyone who, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce and for commercial purposes, engages in a tortious invasion of the privacy of another person in order to capture by a visual or auditory recording instrument any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of that person.Specifies that: (1) it shall not be a defense to a prosecution or civil action that no image or recording was captured or sold; and (2) only a person physically present at the time of, and engaging or assisting another in engaging in, a violation is subject to criminal charge or civil liability under this Act.Makes this Act's prohibitions inapplicable to official law enforcement activities.
People & committees
Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-14] · D–MI
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E8)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.97 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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