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Issue · Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice across the country

Every criminal justice bill from all 50 state legislatures and Congress, introduced in the last 12 weeks and automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
191
last 12 weeks
Active states
14
jurisdictions with bills
Most active
United States
110 bills
Stance split
148 for 43 against
National trend

Bills introduced per week

12-week window
Jun 29 Sep 14
Showing 1–10 of 30 bills

Bills supporting criminal justice

in committee · United States · House Aug 20, 2026

HR 10129: Stamps for Staying Connected Act of 2026

The Stamps for Staying Connected Act of 2026 requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide postage stamps to inmates who lack funds or sufficient postage and wish to send mail. This provision applies to all types of correspondence, including legal matters and administrative filings. To prevent abuse, such as trading stamps among prisoners, the bill limits distribution to five first-class domestic stamps per week for general use. However, this weekly cap does not apply to stamps needed for legal proceedings or administrative remedy filings.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures inmates can access legal representation and administrative processes by providing postage, supporting fair treatment within the corrections system.75% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Grace Meng (D) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 24, 2026

HB 2744: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2744 amends state sentencing laws to limit the length of jail time for individuals who violate probation rules without committing a new crime. The bill requires courts to consider a defendant's employment status before imposing total confinement for these technical violations. It establishes specific caps on jail sentences, limiting them to 14 days for a first violation and 30 days for a second violation. For third or subsequent technical violations, the law allows judges to use any sentencing alternatives that were available when the person was originally sentenced.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits jail time for probation violations and mandates consideration of employment, promoting rehabilitation over punitive incarceration.95% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing
Tim Briggs (D) · 8 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Sep 1, 2026

HB 6279: Corrections: state facilities; certain health and safety standards in state correctional facilities; provide for. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding secs. 67c, 67e & 67f.

Michigan House Bill 6279 amends the state's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with timely access to medical, dental, optical, and mental health care while ensuring privacy and dignity during treatment. The legislation mandates that the department identify and address the needs of prisoners with disabilities by providing assistive equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. Additionally, it requires the maintenance of safe environmental conditions, including proper sanitation and ventilation, to prevent risks to prisoner health. Prisoners who believe these standards are not met can file grievances through the existing departmental system.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates improved health, safety, and accessibility standards in state correctional facilities, directly strengthening prisoner welfare and rehabilitation conditions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates timely access to medical, dental, and mental health care for prisoners, directly advancing healthcare standards in state facilities.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health
Reggie Miller (D) · 6 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Sep 1, 2026

HB 6280: Corrections: state facilities; use of certain recording devices in medical settings in state correctional facilities; provide for. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding sec. 67d.

Michigan House Bill 6280 requires the state Department of Corrections to establish specific policies governing the use of recording devices in sensitive medical settings within correctional facilities. The bill limits the use of audio, video, or photographic recording to situations where it is reasonably necessary for safety, security, or documentation purposes. It mandates that any recording must be conducted in a way that minimizes intrusion on prisoner privacy and requires staff to document the specific reason for using the device. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to maintain policies for the retention, storage, and access of these recordings in compliance with existing laws.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates privacy protections for inmates during medical care in correctional facilities, enhancing human rights standards within the criminal justice system.75% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Reggie Miller (D) · 6 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · Senate Aug 3, 2026

S 5214: Protect and Serve Act of 2026

The Protect and Serve Act of 2026 creates a new federal crime for willfully attempting to kill a law enforcement officer solely because of their status, provided the act involves interstate travel, commerce, weapons, or affects economic activity. This law applies to both state and federal officers and mandates that any federal prosecution must be certified by the Attorney General, who must determine if state charges were insufficient or if federal intervention serves the public interest. The bill defines a law enforcement officer as anyone authorized to prevent, detect, or investigate crimes, or to detain individuals, and sets specific prison terms ranging from years to life depending on whether the attempt results in serious bodily injury.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a federal crime to protect law enforcement officers, enhancing their safety and strengthening the justice system's ability to prosecute attacks on officers.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement
Thom Tillis (R) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 5129: PROTECT Act of 2026

The PROTECT Act of 2026 requires online platforms that host user-generated content to verify the identity and age of anyone uploading pornographic images, ensuring all individuals depicted are at least 18 years old. To comply, platforms must obtain explicit written consent from every person shown in an image for both the specific sexual acts performed and the distribution of that image, using standardized forms approved by the Attorney General. The law imposes civil penalties and criminal prison sentences for users and platforms that fail to meet these verification and consent requirements.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by imposing stricter penalties and verification requirements to combat child sexual exploitation and protect victims.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill imposes strict identity verification and consent requirements on platforms, restricting their ability to host user-generated content and limiting digital expression.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Online Safety Social Media
Mike Lee (R)
in committee · United States · House Jul 21, 2026

HR 9817: Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act

The Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals in the criminal justice system by restricting financial incentives for states that use restraints on pregnant inmates. Under the bill, states receiving federal justice grants would face a 25 percent funding penalty if they fail to implement laws limiting the use of shackles on pregnant individuals, with those withheld funds redirected to compliant states. The legislation also directs the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice to create and fund programs in at least six federal facilities and across various state and local prisons that provide specialized prenatal care, mental health support, and reentry assistance. These programs are designed to address specific health disparities, particularly for racial and ethnic minority groups, by offering culturally competent care, nutrition counseling, and opportunities to maintain contact with newborn children. Additionally, the act requires an independent oversight organization to monitor program implementation and mandates a Government Accountability Office report to analyze maternal and infant health data within the correctional system.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts restraints on pregnant inmates and penalizes non-compliance, advancing human rights and reform within the criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill restricts restraints on pregnant inmates to improve maternal health outcomes, protecting patient rights and safety.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Children's Health Mental Health Women's Health
Ayanna Pressley (D) · 43 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 5122: Inclusive Democracy Act of 2026

The Inclusive Democracy Act of 2026 ensures that individuals convicted of criminal offenses retain the right to vote in federal elections, regardless of whether the conviction occurred before or after the law's enactment. It mandates that courts, prisons, and parole offices notify incarcerated and supervised individuals that their criminal record does not strip them of their voting rights. The bill also requires carceral settings to provide voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications, allowing inmates to use either their prison address or their last known home address to register. Additionally, the legislation permits candidates and nonpartisan groups to distribute voting materials inside prisons and prohibits prosecution of inmates who mistakenly vote in local or state elections while registered for federal offices.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restores voting rights to convicted individuals, protecting civil rights and advancing criminal justice reform by reducing barriers to reintegration.95% confidence
Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Probation & Parole Tags Elections
Peter Welch (D)
in committee · United States · Senate Aug 4, 2026

S 5228: STOP the SWAMP Act

The STOP the SWAMP Act modifies congressional rules to impose stricter penalties on witnesses who refuse to answer questions or commit perjury during federal investigations. Under the new provisions, such individuals would face misdemeanor charges, potential jail time, and automatic debarment from future federal employment. Additionally, the bill creates a streamlined process allowing members of Congress to quickly pass resolutions cutting the salary and expenses of federal employees who violate these rules. These measures aim to increase accountability for witnesses by ensuring they face immediate consequences for non-compliance or dishonesty.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens integrity of federal investigations by penalizing perjury and obstruction, which supports fair judicial processes.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Roger Marshall (R)
in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9903: Stop Prison Price Gouging Act of 2026

The Stop Prison Price Gouging Act of 2026 requires the Bureau of Prisons to sell commissary items at prices no higher than the fair market value found in the local community. To achieve this, the law mandates that the agency use competitive bidding for contracts and prohibits any agreements that include revenue sharing with suppliers. Additionally, the Bureau must review prices monthly, submit annual reports to Congress detailing item costs and contracts, and undergo yearly audits to ensure compliance. These measures aim to prevent overcharging by comparing prison prices to those of regular retail stores while excluding other correctional facilities from the comparison.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by reducing prison costs and improving inmate welfare through fair pricing and oversight.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Valerie P. Foushee (D)
Showing 1 to 10 of 30 bills
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