Ten anti-pretexting bills are stalled in Congress. Here's a guide to what hasn't been done.
S2177 Using or selling confidential phone records would be a crime. Law-enforcement pretexting is largely exempt.
Introduced: January 2006
Status: In committee
S2178 Pretexting would be a crime unless done by police or government contractors. Covers voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.
Introduced: January 2006
Status: Approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee; waiting for a Senate floor vote.
S2389 Pretexting for phone records would be punishable by fines. Law-enforcement pretexting is largely exempt. Individuals can sue for damages.
Introduced: March 2006
Status: Approved by Senate Commerce Committee; waiting for a Senate floor vote.
HR3997 Prohibits pretexting of any kind by "information brokers." Part of broader legislation dealing with security breaches.
Introduced: October 2005
Status: Approved by House Energy and Commerce Committee; waiting for floor vote.
HR4127 Pretexting of any sort would be illegal, including pretexting to obtain telephone records. Part of a massive bill on data security.
Introduced: October 2005
Status: Approved by three House committees; waiting for a House floor vote.
HR4657 Selling someone's confidential phone records would be a federal crime, even if a private investigator is selling records to police.
Introduced: January 2006
Status: In committee
HR4662 Obtaining or attempting to obtain phone records would be a crime. Not applicable to law enforcement or government contractors.
Introduced: January 2006
Status: In committee
HR4678 Pretexting to obtain telephone records would be illegal, including if it's done on behalf of law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission could file civil lawsuits.
Introduced: January 2006
Status: In committee
HR4709 Pretexting would be a crime unless done by police or government contractors. Covers voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.
Introduced: February 2006
Status: Approved by House; in Senate committee.
HR4714 Using confidential phone records would be a crime. Law-enforcement pretexting is largely exempted.
Introduced: February 2006
Status: In committee
HR4943 Pretexting to obtain telephone records would be illegal. The Federal Trade Commission could file civil lawsuits.
Introduced: March 2006
Status: Approved by House Commerce Committee; waiting for House floor vote.