The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 significantly expands the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens who are facing removal from the United States. The bill removes time limits on detention during removal proceedings and allows for indefinite detention after a final order is issued if specific conditions, such as national security threats or public safety risks, are certified by government officials. It restricts access to bond hearings for many detainees, requiring them instead to prove they are not flight risks or community threats through clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the legislation establishes administrative review processes that permit detention beyond standard removal periods if an individual fails to cooperate with deportation efforts or poses a continuing danger.
The PRIVACY Act restricts Federal law enforcement agencies from accessing surveillance data collected by State or local agencies without a warrant issued by a Federal judge. It establishes a "Jurisdictional Wall List" maintained by the Attorney General that includes technologies like automated license plate readers and long-range microphones, prohibiting the use of Federal funds to purchase these specific devices. While the bill allows for limited exceptions in emergencies or with consent, it mandates strict rules on data retention, requiring agencies to delete most collected information within 30 days unless it becomes evidence in an active prosecution. Additionally, the legislation bans the use of this data to monitor individuals exercising First Amendment rights and requires regular reporting to Congress on how these surveillance tools are utilized.
The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by immediately dismissing any lawsuits currently pending against them that allege harm caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of their products. The bill defines these protected cases as those where the injury resulted from a third party's illegal actions rather than a defect in the product itself, while explicitly excluding claims involving negligent entrustment, specific federal violations, or design defects. To enforce these protections, the law allows defendants to remove such cases from state courts to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately. Additionally, the legislation preempts state and local laws that attempt to hold these companies liable for product misuse and provides for attorney's fees for defendants who successfully assert their immunity.
This bill, known as the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act, expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by strengthening their immunity from civil lawsuits. It requires courts to immediately dismiss any pending cases against these companies that are based on the criminal or unlawful misuse of a gun by a third party, while also clarifying that sellers are not liable for negligence in entrusting products to others. The legislation further restricts who can file such suits by prohibiting foreign governments from bringing these claims and adding a specific exception for victims under the age of 17, though it maintains immunity for cases involving design or manufacturing defects. Additionally, the bill allows companies to move these cases to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately, along with the ability to recover legal fees if they win. Finally, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on these entities for the same types of misuse-related harms.
The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.
The Stop Illegal Alien Cops Act amends federal law to modify exemptions for government entities regarding firearms. Currently, federal, state, and local government agencies are generally exempt from many federal prohibitions when acquiring or supplying firearms for official use. This bill would remove that exemption for specific prohibitions, making it unlawful for government entities to provide firearms to or employ individuals who are unlawfully in the United States. Additionally, the bill removes the
This bill prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from funding sheltering or facility improvements for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) short-term holding facilities. It also cancels unobligated funds previously allocated to FEMA for these purposes under two 2023-2024 appropriations acts. The bill directly affects FEMA's budget authority and CBP's operational funding for facilities holding individuals in immigration custody. It does not create new restrictions but terminates existing funding for specific CBP-related sheltering activities. The measure focuses solely on rescinding existing appropriations, not on altering immigration law or eligibility.
This bill, known as the Halo Act, creates a new federal crime for intentionally approaching or staying within 25 feet of immigration enforcement officers after receiving a verbal warning, if the person intends to interfere with their work, threaten them, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who may attempt to block or disrupt immigration officers performing their duties, such as during arrests or investigations. The law defines harassment as conduct that causes substantial emotional distress to an officer and serves no legitimate purpose, and it carries penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both. This provision adds to existing Title 18 United States Code by establishing specific boundaries for behavior near federal immigration officials.
The SHORT Act redefines firearm classifications under federal law to remove certain restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. It eliminates special prohibitions for these weapons when used lawfully, preempts state taxes or registration requirements for them, and requires federal destruction of historical records related to these firearms. The bill directly affects owners of short-barreled rifles and shotguns, as well as state governments that previously imposed separate regulations. Key provisions include revising IRS definitions to exclude shotgun shells from "destructive devices," mandating record destruction within one year of enactment, and blocking state laws targeting these weapons in interstate commerce. These changes aim to standardize federal treatment while removing duplicative state-level barriers.
HR 21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, requires medical staff at abortion facilities to provide the same immediate care and hospital admission to any infant born alive during an abortion as they would for any newborn. It mandates reporting failures to provide this care to law enforcement and imposes penalties of up to 5 years in prison for violations, with harsher penalties for intentional killing. The bill also allows women who undergo abortions to sue for civil damages, including triple the abortion cost, and provides for attorney fees. It defines "abortion" to exclude procedures performed after viability to preserve a live birth. This law directly affects healthcare providers at abortion facilities and creates new federal legal obligations for them.
