Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4635: SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026

The SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 establishes new federal protections for individuals experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other gender-based violence by mandating that employers provide up to 40 work days of leave per year, including at least 10 paid days, to address these incidents. This legislation also prohibits employers and insurers from discriminating against victims or retaliating against them for seeking leave, requesting workplace safety accommodations, or filing related claims, while ensuring that any information about the abuse remains strictly confidential. Additionally, the bill expands access to unemployment compensation for those who leave their jobs due to violence, strengthens insurance rules to prevent denial of coverage based on victim status, and authorizes funding for public education campaigns and workplace resource centers to support survivors.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects victims of gender-based violence through workplace leave and anti-retaliation measures, supporting civil rights and justice for survivors.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates paid leave and prohibits retaliation for victims of violence, directly expanding worker benefits and protecting employee rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime Paid Leave Unemployment Workplace Safety

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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 · Senate May 18, 2026

S 4553: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill, known as the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, prohibits civilians from buying, owning, or possessing enhanced body armor. The law defines enhanced body armor as protective gear that meets or exceeds the ballistic resistance of RF1 armor, which includes certain helmets and shields. Exceptions are made for law enforcement officers, government agencies, and individuals who already legally owned such armor before the law takes effect. Violating this ban could result in a fine, up to five years in prison, or both penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civilian access to body armor, limiting self-defense capabilities and reducing protections for individuals against violent crime.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Apr 27, 2026

HR 8506: SAFE School Act

The SAFE School Act authorizes $900 million in federal grants to help states and local school districts enhance school security. These funds can be used to train and hire veterans or former law enforcement officers as school safety officers, as well as to install physical security measures like metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and reinforced glass. The legislation explicitly allows grants to be awarded to both public and private schools, including those with religious affiliations, without federal interference in how the money is spent. This bill aims to provide resources for schools to improve their safety infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds school security measures and hires law enforcement/veterans, directly strengthening safety within the criminal justice context.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $900M to enhance school security, hire safety officers, and install protective measures, directly strengthening the educational environment.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly authorizes funding to hire and train veterans as school safety officers, directly supporting veteran employment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement School Safety

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in committee · United States · House Apr 23, 2026

HR 8493: Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026

The Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a temporary working group focused on improving mental health support for law enforcement officers and first responders. This group will examine current peer-to-peer behavioral health programs, considering the unique challenges faced by these workers, and develop updated recommendations for Congress on reducing suicide risk and addressing substance use. The committee will include representatives from federal agencies, local governments, and organizations, as well as law enforcement officers and first responders with direct experience in these programs. Within one year of passing, the group must publish a report with evidence-based findings and minimum standards for effective support, then submit specific proposals to Congress on how to integrate these services into broader healthcare systems. The working group will dissolve after completing its report, though the Secretary may request to reconvene it later if new updates are deemed necessary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement by improving mental health support and reducing suicide risk among first responders.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directs HHS to create a working group to improve mental health support and reduce suicide risk for first responders, directly advancing healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Mental Health

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in committee · United States · House Apr 22, 2026

HR 8452: Restoring Law and Order on America’s Streets Act

This bill expands federal civil commitment laws to allow the long-term detention of individuals deemed a danger to public safety, specifically targeting those with serious mental illnesses who engage in certain behaviors. It directly affects homeless individuals with mental health conditions by requiring officials to evaluate them for involuntary commitment if they commit crimes like burglary, drug distribution in public, or prolonged outdoor living. The legislation defines "urban camping" and "urban squatting" as specific offenses that, when combined with a serious mental illness, can lead to mandatory certification for continued confinement. By amending existing statutes, the act aims to address public safety concerns related to mental illness and homelessness through a legal framework that prioritizes institutionalization over other forms of care or release.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands involuntary detention of individuals with mental illness, increasing criminalization and restricting civil rights.85% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts patient rights by enabling involuntary detention of individuals with mental illnesses, limiting their access to voluntary care and autonomy.85% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill expands involuntary detention for homeless individuals with mental illness, effectively restricting housing rights and limiting access to shelter.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Homelessness

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in committee · United States · House May 20, 2026

HR 8940: Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act

The Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed after the law takes effect. It also requires that individuals currently sentenced to death under federal law be resentenced to a different punishment. This legislation directly affects the federal criminal justice system by eliminating capital punishment as a sentencing option.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill eliminates the death penalty, aligning with criminal justice reform efforts to reduce harsh sentencing and protect civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Sentencing

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in committee · United States · House Apr 29, 2026

HRES 1231: Supporting the designation of April 29, 2026, as "Denim Day" and honoring survivors of sexual assault.

This resolution designates April 29, 2026, as Denim Day to honor survivors of sexual assault and raise awareness against victim-blaming. It encourages people to wear denim as a symbol that clothing or behavior never constitutes consent and calls for stronger support for survivors. The bill also urges federal, state, and local governments to improve policies and funding for prevention and survivor services, while allowing members of Congress to wear denim on the House floor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes survivor services, combats victim-blaming, and urges stronger government support for sexual assault prevention and care.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 4405: 287(g) Expansion Act

The 287(g) Expansion Act allows states and local law enforcement agencies that have partnered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to receive additional federal funding. Specifically, eligible jurisdictions can apply for up to a 10 percent increase in their annual Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant if they maintain an active 287(g) agreement. The legislation authorizes $20 million per year from 2027 to 2033 to support these increased allocations, which are intended to enhance immigration enforcement efforts within participating communities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides federal funding to enhance 287(g) partnerships between local law enforcement and ICE, strengthening enforcement capabilities.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill expands 287(g) agreements, increasing state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and restricting immigrant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 16, 2026

S 4333: VOICE Act

The VOICE Act creates a new civil remedy allowing individuals to sue the United States government if a federal law enforcement officer or someone acting under their direction violates their constitutional rights during immigration-related enforcement actions. This law specifically applies to people within U.S. jurisdiction who claim their rights were deprived while being acted upon by federal officers, regardless of whether the officer was following official policy. If the government is found liable, the specific federal agency that employed the officer must pay monetary damages, and the claimant is guaranteed at least $2 million in punitive damages. Additionally, the bill ensures that these lawsuits cannot be dismissed based on the government's sovereign immunity, while still allowing victims to pursue other legal remedies against individual officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill enhances police accountability by creating a civil remedy for constitutional rights violations by federal officers, directly aligning with the support indicator for protecting civil rights and strengthening oversight.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates a civil remedy to protect constitutional rights of individuals during immigration enforcement, directly supporting immigrant protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies Tags Civil Liberties

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