A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation that would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to obtain warrants before accessing digital communications of American citizens. The bill would also prohibit federal agencies from purchasing commercial data about U.S. residents.

The proposed legislation comes as Congress faces an April deadline regarding surveillance authorities. Current law allows the FBI to access certain communications without obtaining a warrant under specific circumstances.

The bill represents a significant shift in how federal agencies would be permitted to gather information about Americans. Under the proposed changes, the FBI would need to demonstrate probable cause to a judge before accessing digital messages and other communications.

The legislation also addresses the growing concern over federal agencies' purchase of commercial data about American citizens. Such data, often collected by private companies through various digital services and platforms, can include location information, browsing habits, and other personal details.

The bipartisan nature of the bill suggests growing congressional concern across party lines about surveillance practices and privacy rights. The April deadline adds urgency to the legislative process as lawmakers work to address these surveillance authorities before they potentially expire or require renewal.