Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5337: Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026

The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 significantly expands the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens who are facing removal from the United States. The bill removes time limits on detention during removal proceedings and allows for indefinite detention after a final order is issued if specific conditions, such as national security threats or public safety risks, are certified by government officials. It restricts access to bond hearings for many detainees, requiring them instead to prove they are not flight risks or community threats through clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the legislation establishes administrative review processes that permit detention beyond standard removal periods if an individual fails to cooperate with deportation efforts or poses a continuing danger.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill expands detention authority, removes time limits, and restricts bond hearings, which limits due process rights within the criminal justice system.75% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationThe bill expands detention authority, removes time limits on detention, and restricts bond access, significantly limiting immigrant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 5024: Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act of 2026

The Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act of 2026 expands the definition of a foreign instrumentality under U.S. law to include entities domiciled in covered nations, in addition to those substantially owned by foreign governments. This change directly affects investigations into economic espionage by broadening the scope of organizations that can be legally classified as foreign agents for the purpose of criminal prosecution. By amending the United States Code, the bill ensures that companies based in specific foreign countries are treated with the same scrutiny as those owned by foreign governments when accused of stealing trade secrets. The provision relies on existing definitions of covered nations found in the National Defense Authorization Act to determine which countries are included in this expanded category.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands legal definitions to strengthen economic espionage investigations and prosecution capabilities.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens cybersecurity by expanding legal definitions to combat foreign economic espionage and protect national data security.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 10, 2026

S 4729: Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026

The Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026 strengthens federal penalties for the illegal transport of biological agents or toxins into the United States. It directly affects individuals convicted of conspiring to smuggle these materials, making false statements related to their importation, and attempting to smuggle them. Under the new provisions, anyone found guilty of conspiring to smuggle biological agents faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 20 years, while those who make false statements in connection with such activities face a mandatory minimum of 5 years. The bill also updates existing smuggling laws to explicitly include biological agents and ensures that forfeiture rules apply to these specific offenses. These changes take effect immediately upon the bill's enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory minimum prison sentences to 20 years and expands criminalization, which aligns with indicators for opposing criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 4775: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by immediately dismissing any lawsuits currently pending against them that allege harm caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of their products. The bill defines these protected cases as those where the injury resulted from a third party's illegal actions rather than a defect in the product itself, while explicitly excluding claims involving negligent entrustment, specific federal violations, or design defects. To enforce these protections, the law allows defendants to remove such cases from state courts to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately. Additionally, the legislation preempts state and local laws that attempt to hold these companies liable for product misuse and provides for attorney's fees for defendants who successfully assert their immunity.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill limits civil liability for firearm manufacturers regarding third-party misuse, reducing accountability for public safety harms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Jun 11, 2026

HR 9298: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

This bill, known as the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act, expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by strengthening their immunity from civil lawsuits. It requires courts to immediately dismiss any pending cases against these companies that are based on the criminal or unlawful misuse of a gun by a third party, while also clarifying that sellers are not liable for negligence in entrusting products to others. The legislation further restricts who can file such suits by prohibiting foreign governments from bringing these claims and adding a specific exception for victims under the age of 17, though it maintains immunity for cases involving design or manufacturing defects. Additionally, the bill allows companies to move these cases to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately, along with the ability to recover legal fees if they win. Finally, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on these entities for the same types of misuse-related harms.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civil liability for gun misuse, limiting accountability and reducing remedies for victims of criminal violence.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 4671: Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026

The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison sentences and expands criminal penalties for firearm violations, restricting due process and enhancing punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 4461: Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act

The Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act strengthens federal laws to prevent espionage by targeting individuals from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It requires the Department of Defense to create and publicly update lists of high-value military assets and critical installations, which must be marked with signs prohibiting photography and surveillance. The bill expands criminal penalties for taking photos or videos of these sites, introducing stricter rules for digital imagery and artificial intelligence enhancements, and mandates longer prison sentences and visa revocations for citizens of the listed nations who commit violations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminal penalties and broadens criminalization for photographing strategic assets, restricting individual rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 15, 2026

S 4305: Safer Prisons Act of 2026

The Safer Prisons Act of 2026 increases the maximum prison sentence and fine for individuals convicted of assaulting correctional officers at the Bureau of Prisons. This change specifically targets attacks on federal prison staff by doubling the potential punishment compared to similar assaults on other law enforcement officers. The bill amends existing federal law to ensure that violence against these specific officers carries a heavier penalty.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases maximum sentences and fines for assaulting correctional officers, expanding criminal penalties and restricting defendant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House May 12, 2026

HCONRES 98: Expressing support for America's law enforcement professionals.

This concurrent resolution expresses Congress's support for law enforcement officers and honors those who have died or been injured while performing their duties. The document highlights the dangers officers face, noting high rates of assaults and suicide, as well as current staffing shortages compared to pre-2020 levels. It calls for increased measures to improve officer safety, including more personnel, better training and equipment, stricter penalties for assaulting officers, and expanded mental health resources. This non-binding measure does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to formally recognize the contributions of police professionals and urge government bodies to provide necessary support.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly supports law enforcement, calls for increased safety measures, better training, and stricter penalties for assaulting officers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed · United States · House May 13, 2026

HRES 1252: Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

This resolution expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors and supports law enforcement, aligning with protecting those who preserve community safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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