Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · House Apr 23, 2026

HR 8470: Surveillance Accountability Act

The Surveillance Accountability Act aims to strengthen Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless government searches, directly affecting federal employees involved in surveillance and individuals whose data or privacy is subject to government access. It generally mandates that government entities obtain a warrant based on probable cause for most searches, explicitly requiring one to access data held by third-party companies like internet providers or financial institutions. While outlining exceptions for situations like plain view or publicly available information, the bill specifically prohibits the warrantless collection or analysis of biometric data (e.g., facial recognition) or license plate reader data from public places without informed consent. Additionally, it creates a new legal avenue for individuals to sue federal employees who violate their Fourth Amendment rights, allowing for redress and attorney's fees.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens Fourth Amendment protections and requires warrants for searches, enhancing civil rights and police accountability within criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens Fourth Amendment protections and requires warrants for data access, enhancing digital privacy and consumer protection against government surveillance.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · House Apr 15, 2026

HR 8267: SAFER Transport Act

The SAFER Transport Act aims to combat freight fraud and theft and enhance regulatory integrity for motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and commercial drivers. It phases out the use of MC numbers, mandating a unified USDOT number system with new provisions to detect fraudulent activity and withhold or revoke registrations for felony convictions or material misrepresentations. The bill also establishes an advisory committee and inter-agency coordination to address freight theft, while strengthening commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements for non-citizens and increasing oversight of

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens regulatory integrity and fraud detection in freight, reducing criminal activity and protecting industry from theft through enhanced oversight and revocation of fraudulent registrations.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety and regulatory integrity for motor carriers and drivers, strengthening the transportation system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight

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in committee · United States · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 8325: Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026

This bill, the Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026, establishes new procedures for managing book availability in federal prisons, directly affecting incarcerated individuals and the Bureau of Prisons. It mandates the creation of a Publication Review Committee, comprising members such as an incarcerated individual and a First Amendment expert, to approve or disapprove books. The Director of the Bureau of Prisons must submit requests to this committee to prohibit a book, and the committee cannot ban books based on disfavored viewpoints or content. Incarcerated individuals can appeal book prohibitions, with books remaining available during the appeal process. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress detailing all prohibited books and the outcomes of appeals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation through reading in federal prisons, which aligns with reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · United States · House May 18, 2026

HR 8365: Monitor Accountability Act

The Monitor Accountability Act of 2026 directs the Administrator of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to establish new rules for federal courts appointing monitors to oversee State or local governments. The bill limits monitor fees, caps their service to one monitorship for a maximum of five years, and prevents reappointments under the same court order. It also requires courts to allow public comment before appointing a monitor and mandates annual public accountings of services and fees. Additionally, cases with monitorships lasting six years or more must be transferred to a different judge. These provisions, including the appointment of new monitors and case transfers, apply retroactively to existing monitorships that have been in effect for six years.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances oversight of federal monitors in state/local governments, promoting accountability and transparency in judicial processes related to criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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in committee · United States · House Feb 20, 2026

HR 7638: FAIR Act of 2026

The FAIR Act of 2026 reforms federal civil asset forfeiture laws, directly affecting individuals and businesses whose property is seized by the government and federal law enforcement agencies. The bill eliminates administrative (non-judicial) forfeiture, requiring all federal property forfeitures to proceed through a court, and raises the government's burden of proof to "clear and convincing evidence" for seizing property. It shifts the burden to

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens civil rights protections in criminal justice by requiring judicial oversight for asset forfeiture and raising burden of proof, enhancing accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Apr 15, 2026

HR 8295: Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act of 2026

HR 8295, the Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act of 2026, creates a new federal crime for knowingly misrepresenting the nature or source of DNA used in assisted reproductive technology or assisted insemination. This directly affects fertility clinics, practitioners, and patients undergoing such procedures. Individuals found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both. The bill defines federal jurisdiction for these offenses, primarily involving interstate commerce, and extends the statute of limitations to 10 years after identification through DNA testing. It also adds this new crime to the list of "racketeering activities" under federal law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates new federal crime to combat fertility fraud, strengthening criminal justice enforcement and protecting victims through stricter penalties.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patients from fraud in fertility treatments, enhancing patient safety and rights in healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · United States · House Apr 20, 2026

HRES 1190: Supporting the designation of April 19 through April 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week".

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' strong support for designating April 19 through April 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week." It recognizes the impact of crime on victims and survivors, appreciates organizations that assist them, and encourages continued efforts to support victims' rights and services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill designates National Crime Victims' Rights Week, explicitly supporting victims' rights and services within the criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

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in committee · United States · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 8341: DEPORT Act of 2026

The DEPORT Act of 2026 proposes changes to U.S. immigration law regarding terrorism-related offenses. It would require all naturalization applicants to attest under oath that they have not committed, have charges pending for, or intend to commit specific terrorism-related crimes. The bill also establishes new procedures for denaturalizing U.S. citizens, allowing convictions or credible evidence of these offenses to be used as grounds for revoking citizenship, with certain presumptions of illegal procurement. Furthermore, it would make individuals convicted of such offenses inadmissible to the U.S., deportable if denaturalized, ineligible for most immigration benefits, and permanently barred from future admission. These provisions directly affect naturalization applicants, naturalized citizens, and aliens seeking admission or other immigration benefits.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens national security by tightening naturalization requirements and enabling denaturalization for terrorism-related offenses, enhancing criminal justice oversight.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts immigration by adding terrorism-related offenses as grounds for denaturalization, limiting citizenship protections for immigrants.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Detention Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Mar 3, 2026

HR 7766: Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act

The Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act reforms the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which transfers surplus military equipment to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The bill prohibits the transfer of specific military-grade items, including controlled firearms (like automatic weapons), ammunition, grenades, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, and silencers. For any permitted transfers, non-federal agencies must notify their local community, get approval from their local governing body, and certify the equipment's necessity for specific public safety or emergency purposes. The bill also mandates increased accountability for all transferred property, prohibits agencies from taking ownership, and requires the return of equipment if an agency is involved in widespread civil liberties abuses using that property.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts military equipment transfers to law enforcement, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights by limiting militarization.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 8353: FAITH Act

The FAITH Act establishes new federal crimes related to financial obligations and religious participation. It prohibits knowingly imposing or collecting mandatory fees, fines, or other financial obligations from individuals based on their membership in, or refusal to join, any religious organization. The bill also makes it illegal to deny goods, services, or opportunities to a person for not paying such prohibited fees, with penalties including fines and imprisonment for violators. Importantly, it clarifies that religious organizations can still request and receive voluntary contributions from their members. Finally, the act includes these new offenses under federal racketeering laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by prohibiting religious discrimination in financial obligations, aligning with criminal justice reform principles of protecting individual rights.75% confidence

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