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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 11–20 of 39 bills

All criminal justice bills

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)
introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

GM 1304: Informing the Legislature that on July 7, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1961 HD2 SD1 (ACT 202).

This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on July 7, 2026, establishes new penalties for interfering with access to health care facilities in Hawaii. It prohibits individuals from physically blocking entry or exit, making repeated calls intended to disrupt operations, or threatening harm to patients, staff, and property owners. While the law imposes criminal fines and jail time for violations, it explicitly preserves the right to peaceful expressive conduct, such as labor demonstrations and strikes. The legislation defines affected parties broadly to include patients, healthcare workers, and facility owners, allowing them to seek civil remedies against those who obstruct access.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offenses for interfering with healthcare access, imposing fines and jail time, which restricts individual rights and increases the scope of criminal penalties.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient and staff safety by criminalizing interference with healthcare access, thereby strengthening the operational security of health facilities.90% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
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)
in committee · United States · Senate Jul 21, 2026

S 5058: Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act of 2026

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act of 2026 adds new federal penalties for intentionally causing collisions with commercial motor vehicles. It directly affects drivers who stage these accidents and those who arrange for others to do so. Under the bill, a driver who intentionally crashes into a commercial truck faces up to 20 years in prison, while causing serious injury or death in such a staged event carries a minimum sentence of 20 years. The law also holds organizers of these staged crashes criminally liable under the same sentencing guidelines. Prosecution under this federal statute is barred if the individual has already been convicted or acquitted for the same act in state court.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by imposing severe penalties for staged accident fraud, enhancing accountability and deterrence.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by imposing severe penalties for staged accidents involving commercial vehicles, protecting the integrity of the transport system.90% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing Freight
Ashley Moody (R)
in committee · United States · House Jul 30, 2026

HR 9986: Read for Reentry Act of 2026

The Read for Reentry Act of 2026 directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on library services within state and federal prisons. This report will examine who currently has access to these services, how they are funded, and the demographic characteristics of incarcerated individuals who use them. The study will also analyze specific outcomes related to recidivism, parole compliance, workforce placement, and disciplinary infractions for those released from facilities offering library programs. Ultimately, the bill aims to gather data to inform Congress about the current state and impact of prison libraries.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates a study on prison library services to analyze recidivism and rehabilitation outcomes, aligning with efforts to improve correctional programs and reduce reoffending.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole
Rick Larsen (D) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9904: Deputy Darren Almendarez Act

This bill, known as the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, adds a new federal crime for knowingly possessing or purchasing catalytic converters removed from vehicles with the intent to sell or distribute them. It directly affects individuals involved in the removal and resale of these parts, as well as businesses like scrap yards and repair shops, by establishing penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of $100,000 for first offenses. The law includes specific exceptions that allow for legal possession or purchase if the converter was removed by a vehicle owner, acquired during official duties by authorized entities, or bought from licensed businesses that follow state and local identification rules. For repeat offenders, the potential prison sentence increases to ten years and the fine limit rises to $200,000.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating a new federal crime and imposing harsh penalties, which restricts individual liberty and increases the scope of federal criminal law.90% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement
Brandon Gill (R) · 13 co-sponsors
Showing 11 to 20 of 39 bills
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