Unauthorized Computer Access (H 5458, S 0567 as amended)

The ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in February in opposition to legislation dealing with unauthorized computer access. We noted that the breadth of the language would lump whistleblowers and overzealous spouses in with hackers, resulting in felony penalties and up to five years in prison. Similar broad language appearing in federal law has created a number of interpretation issues in federal court; the ACLU has urged the language be amended before passage. In April, the Senate passed companion legislation, but the House did not approve the legislation by the end of the legislative year and the bills died.