H.R. 583 · 116th Congress · 2019–2020
PIRATE Act
H.R. 583 in the 116th Congress (2019–2020) became law — introduced on Jan 16, 2019, sponsored by Paul Tonko with 9 co-sponsors.
During the 116th Congress (2019–2020), Donald Trump was president, and Democrats held the House majority and Republicans the Senate majority.
- Status
- Became law
- Introduced
- Jan 16, 2019
- Co-sponsors
- 9
- Policy area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Public law
- Public Law 116-109
What it does
Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act or the PIRATE Act This bill addresses unlicensed radio broadcasting (called pirating), including by increasing the maximum fine for a pirate radio broadcasting violation to $2 million and imposing a fine of up to $100,000 per day for pirating violations subject to the $2 million limit.
Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.
Sponsor
Paul Tonko (D-NY). Co-sponsors: 4 Democrats, 5 Republicans.
Where it stands
- IntroducedJan 16, 2019
- Passed the HouseFeb 25, 2019
- Passed the SenateJan 8, 2020
- Sent to the PresidentJan 14, 2020
- Became lawJan 24, 2020
Latest action: Became Public Law No: 116-109. (Jan 24, 2020)
More bills from Paul Tonko in the 116th Congress
Other Science, Technology, Communications bills in the 116th Congress
- H.J.Res. 60: Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for…
- H.R. 1396: Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act
- H.R. 3196: Vera C. Rubin Observatory Designation Act
- S. 737: Building Blocks of STEM Act
- S. 151: Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act
- S. 153: Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act
- H.R. 4998: Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019
- S. 893: Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020
- S. 1822: Broadband DATA Act
- S. 2661: National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020
Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
- Energy and Commerce Committee
More
From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.
Cite or embed this page
Capitol Receipts, “H.R. 583 (116th Congress): PIRATE Act,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/116-hr-583/pirate-act (accessed 2026-10-13).