Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986

Summary

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act a of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to change the scienter requirement from "knowingly" to "intentionally" for certain offenses regarding accessing the computer files of another. Revises the definition of "financial institution" to which the financial record provisions of computer fraud law apply. Applies such provisions to any financial records (including those of corporations and small businesses), not just those of individuals and certain partnerships. Revises the criminal liability of persons who exceed authorized access to Federal computers. (Makes the basic offense trespass. Removes the coverage of authorized accessors who exceed their authorization, but without "intent to defraud.") Creates new Federal criminal offenses of: (1) property theft by computer occurring as part of a scheme to defraud; (2) altering information in, or preventing the authorized use of, a Federal interest computer; and (3) trafficking in computer access passwords. Eliminates the special conspiracy provisions for computer crimes. (Such conspiracies shall be treated under the general Federal conspiracy statutes.) Amends penalty provisions to remove the cap on fines for certain computer crimes. Exempts authorized law enforcement or intelligence activities.

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Timeline

1. 10 April 1986

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 10 April 1986

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 10 April 1986

   Introduced

   Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 15 April 1986

   Referred

   Referred to Subcommittee on Crime.

   Source: Committee

5. 23 April 1986

   Committee

   Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

   Source: Committee

6. 30 April 1986

   Committee

   Clean Bill H.R.4718 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu.

   Source: Committee

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

1 official file

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 10 April 1986

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8] · R · Sponsor
• Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] · D · Sponsor
• · hsju00 · Standing

Related records

• related to ← Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986
• related to ← Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986