Criminal Justice across the country

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 3, 2026

S 5212: No Payoffs for Pardons Act

The No Payoffs for Pardons Act requires individuals who receive presidential clemency to file financial disclosure reports if they provided gifts or payments worth at least $10,000 to the President, their family members, or related political entities in exchange for that clemency. These reports must detail the nature and value of the benefits provided and will be made publicly available by the Department of Justice, with penalties including fines and imprisonment for those who willfully fail to comply or submit false information. Additionally, the bill updates federal bribery laws to explicitly include executive clemency as a bribe and extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting such bribery cases to ten years. By mandating transparency around the exchange of money for pardons, the legislation aims to prevent the misuse of the pardon power while leaving the President's actual decision-making authority on granting clemency unchanged.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances transparency and accountability in presidential clemency, a key component of criminal justice oversight.90% confidence

Sponsor Charles E. Schumer (D) · 5 co-sponsors

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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

Sponsor Peter Welch (D)

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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

Sponsor Roger Marshall (R)

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4983: Harry Reid Immigration Stabilization Act

This bill, the Harry Reid Immigration Stabilization Act, establishes a comprehensive framework to reduce overall immigration numbers, reform asylum procedures, increase penalties for criminal behavior, and enhance border security measures. It directly affects immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, employers, and law enforcement agencies by setting strict caps on family and employment-based visas, requiring a 30-day filing deadline for asylum applications, and expanding the definition of aggravated felonies to include a wider range of crimes. Key mechanisms include mandating that employers verify work eligibility through a telephone verification system, creating a new border crossing fee, and requiring states to verify immigration status to receive certain federal benefits. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter rules for criminal aliens facing expedited deportation, increases penalties for alien smuggling, and clarifies citizenship requirements for children born to non-citizen parents.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly increases penalties for criminal behavior and expands definitions of aggravated crimes, directly strengthening criminal justice enforcement.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts immigration by capping visas, tightening asylum deadlines, and increasing penalties.95% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill restricts employment-based visas and tightens asylum rules, limiting legal pathways for workers and potentially reducing labor supply.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Border Security Enforcement Work Authorization

Sponsor Bernie Moreno (R) · 2 co-sponsors

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 5192: Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2026

The Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2026 requires the Transportation Security Administration to create a dedicated role called a Trafficking Survivor Point of Contact at airports nationwide. This position is designed to help nonprofit organizations that assist human trafficking victims navigate security screenings and travel procedures for individuals who lack proper identification documents. Under the bill, these contacts would work with service providers to verify identities in a trauma-informed manner, accompany survivors through security checkpoints, and waive specific identity verification fees. The law also mandates that the TSA publish online information about these services and ensures that designated contacts receive training on human trafficking and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aids trafficking survivors, a vulnerable group often impacted by criminal justice failures, by improving access to services and travel.75% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates a dedicated role to assist trafficking survivors, many of whom lack proper ID, navigating security screenings and travel procedures, thereby providing essential services and protection.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates TSA to create a dedicated role to assist trafficking survivors with airport security and travel procedures, enhancing accessibility and safety for vulnerable travelers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

Sponsor Catherine Cortez Masto (D) · 1 co-sponsor

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4609: Clarifies investigatory powers and duties of SCI.

This bill clarifies the investigatory powers and duties of the State Commission of Investigation, which is New Jersey's independent agency responsible for overseeing public officials and government programs. It reaffirms the commission's role as the primary oversight body and mandates collaboration with other state, county, and local investigative entities when appropriate. The legislation also outlines the commission's specific powers to investigate misconduct, waste, fraud, and organized crime while defining the appointment process and term limits for its four-member leadership.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens oversight of public officials and mandates investigation into misconduct, waste, and fraud, enhancing accountability within government and law enforcement.75% confidence

Sponsor Nick Scutari (D)

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 15, 2026

GM 1364: Informing the Legislature that on July 15, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2851 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 261).

This bill requires Hawaii to add a special designation to the vehicle registration of deaf drivers to alert law enforcement officers during electronic checks. The system will display an international symbol for deafness or a specific code when an officer accesses the vehicle's information, helping to prevent dangerous misunderstandings during traffic stops. To qualify for this designation, a driver must provide certification from a licensed medical professional confirming their hearing loss meets specific decibel thresholds. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and restricts access to this information to authorized personnel only.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and safety during traffic stops for deaf drivers, reducing dangerous misunderstandings and supporting civil rights.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by preventing dangerous misunderstandings during traffic stops for deaf drivers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Vehicle Registration

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

GM 1294: Informing the Legislature that on July 7, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1959 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 192).

This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 192 into law on July 7, 2026, which amends existing statutes related to domestic violence. The primary change requires the state judiciary to submit annual reports to the legislature by December 1 of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. These reports must detail case outcomes, defendant demographics, completion rates for intervention programs, and the time it takes to resolve cases. Additionally, the final report in 2030 will include an evaluation of a pilot project to determine if it improved case resolution speeds and reduced recidivism.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates annual reporting on domestic violence case outcomes and program completion, enhancing oversight and accountability within the criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1355: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB888 SD2 HD2 CD1 (ACT 253).

This bill prohibits companies that make smart home security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless specific conditions are met. Data sharing is only allowed if the user gives written consent, a judge issues a warrant, or an immediate emergency involving imminent death or serious bodily harm exists. The law also bans companies from forcing users to agree to data sharing as a requirement to use their devices. Violations of these rules can result in penalties and legal action by the state attorney general, but private individuals cannot sue under this specific section.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts warrantless data sharing by police and requires user consent, enhancing privacy and police accountability.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects data privacy and consumer rights by restricting unauthorized data sharing by tech companies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges Law Enforcement

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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

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