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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 1–10 of 39 bills

All criminal justice bills

in committee · United States · House Sep 3, 2026

HR 10269: Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026

The Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 creates a new federal crime for individuals who knowingly stage or fabricate motor vehicle accidents to submit false insurance claims. The bill directly affects people involved in these schemes by imposing penalties that include fines and up to 10 years in prison, with sentences increasing to 20 years if serious bodily injury occurs and potentially life imprisonment if the fraud results in death. Additionally, any criminal fines collected under this new law must be deposited into the Highway Trust Fund rather than general government revenue.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill creates a new federal crime with severe mandatory penalties (up to life imprisonment), expanding criminalization and increasing sentencing severity.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Laura Gillen (D) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · House Aug 20, 2026

HR 10129: Stamps for Staying Connected Act of 2026

The Stamps for Staying Connected Act of 2026 requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide postage stamps to inmates who lack funds or sufficient postage and wish to send mail. This provision applies to all types of correspondence, including legal matters and administrative filings. To prevent abuse, such as trading stamps among prisoners, the bill limits distribution to five first-class domestic stamps per week for general use. However, this weekly cap does not apply to stamps needed for legal proceedings or administrative remedy filings.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures inmates can access legal representation and administrative processes by providing postage, supporting fair treatment within the corrections system.75% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Grace Meng (D) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 24, 2026

HB 2744: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2744 amends state sentencing laws to limit the length of jail time for individuals who violate probation rules without committing a new crime. The bill requires courts to consider a defendant's employment status before imposing total confinement for these technical violations. It establishes specific caps on jail sentences, limiting them to 14 days for a first violation and 30 days for a second violation. For third or subsequent technical violations, the law allows judges to use any sentencing alternatives that were available when the person was originally sentenced.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits jail time for probation violations and mandates consideration of employment, promoting rehabilitation over punitive incarceration.95% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing
Tim Briggs (D) · 8 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Aug 27, 2026

HB 6260: Crimes: criminal sexual conduct; penalties for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree; modify.

Michigan House Bill 6260 amends the state penal code to modify the legal definition of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and establish stricter sentencing guidelines for offenders. The bill expands the list of aggravating circumstances that elevate a crime to this most serious level, specifically including acts committed by school employees, volunteers, or child care providers who use their professional status to gain access to victims aged 13 to 15. It also broadens the definition of force and coercion to include situations where an actor uses medical treatment unethically or overcomes a victim through concealment or surprise. Regarding penalties, the bill mandates that anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct must receive lifetime electronic monitoring in addition to their prison sentence. It increases the minimum prison term for adults who commit these acts against children under 13 and imposes a mandatory life sentence without parole for repeat offenders who have previously been convicted of similar crimes against young children.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands aggravating circumstances and establishes stricter sentencing guidelines for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, increasing mandatory penalties.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing
Alicia St. Germaine (R) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Sep 1, 2026

HB 6279: Corrections: state facilities; certain health and safety standards in state correctional facilities; provide for. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding secs. 67c, 67e & 67f.

Michigan House Bill 6279 amends the state's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with timely access to medical, dental, optical, and mental health care while ensuring privacy and dignity during treatment. The legislation mandates that the department identify and address the needs of prisoners with disabilities by providing assistive equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. Additionally, it requires the maintenance of safe environmental conditions, including proper sanitation and ventilation, to prevent risks to prisoner health. Prisoners who believe these standards are not met can file grievances through the existing departmental system.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates improved health, safety, and accessibility standards in state correctional facilities, directly strengthening prisoner welfare and rehabilitation conditions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates timely access to medical, dental, and mental health care for prisoners, directly advancing healthcare standards in state facilities.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health
Reggie Miller (D) · 6 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Sep 1, 2026

HB 6284: Weapons: firearms; sentencing guidelines; update. Amends sec. 16m of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16m). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6285'26

Michigan House Bill 6284 updates the state's sentencing guidelines by amending Section 16m of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include specific firearm-related felonies. The bill creates a comprehensive list of offenses, ranging from selling firearms to minors and prohibited persons to discharging guns in vehicles or at dwellings, assigning each a specific classification level and maximum prison sentence. These classifications determine how judges calculate sentences for these crimes, with penalties varying based on the severity of the act and any resulting injuries or deaths. The legislation is tied to House Bill 6285 and will not take effect unless that companion bill is also enacted into law.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill updates sentencing guidelines to assign specific maximum prison sentences for firearm felonies, which restricts judicial discretion and expands criminal penalties.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Sentencing
Mike Hoadley (R) · 14 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Aug 27, 2026

HB 6263: Crimes: criminal sexual conduct; penalties for criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree; modify.

Michigan House Bill 6263 amends the state penal code to expand the definition of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is classified as a misdemeanor felony. The bill specifically targets individuals who engage in sexual contact with minors aged 16 to 17 who are students, or young adults aged 16 to 25 receiving special education services, when the perpetrator is a teacher, school employee, volunteer, or other authority figure using their position to gain access to the victim. It also includes provisions for sexual contact involving foster care residents and mental health patients, while maintaining existing penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of $500.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill expands criminalization by broadening the definition of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and modifying penalties for offenses involving minors and vulnerable adults.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens safety for students and special education recipients by penalizing abuse by school staff, protecting the educational environment.75% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Special Education Teachers
Tom Kuhn (R) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Sep 1, 2026

HB 6280: Corrections: state facilities; use of certain recording devices in medical settings in state correctional facilities; provide for. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding sec. 67d.

Michigan House Bill 6280 requires the state Department of Corrections to establish specific policies governing the use of recording devices in sensitive medical settings within correctional facilities. The bill limits the use of audio, video, or photographic recording to situations where it is reasonably necessary for safety, security, or documentation purposes. It mandates that any recording must be conducted in a way that minimizes intrusion on prisoner privacy and requires staff to document the specific reason for using the device. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to maintain policies for the retention, storage, and access of these recordings in compliance with existing laws.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates privacy protections for inmates during medical care in correctional facilities, enhancing human rights standards within the criminal justice system.75% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Reggie Miller (D) · 6 co-sponsors
in committee · Michigan · House Aug 27, 2026

HB 6262: Crimes: criminal sexual conduct; penalties for criminal sexual conduct in the third degree; modify.

Michigan House Bill 6262 amends the state penal code to expand the definition of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which applies to individuals who engage in sexual penetration under specific circumstances such as involving a minor, using force, or exploiting a position of trust. The bill adds new provisions that criminalize such acts when the victim is a student aged 16 to 17 with a school employee, a person receiving special education services up to age 25, or a resident of a child care or foster home who is at least 16 years old. It also introduces an affirmative defense for victims in incest cases where they were coerced by an authority figure and excludes married couples from certain incest charges. The legislation increases the minimum prison sentence for this felony from five to 15 years, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by adding new victim categories to third-degree criminal sexual conduct statutes, aligning with indicators for opposing criminal justice reform.85% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Donni Steele (R) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · Senate Aug 4, 2026

S 5229: SWIPES Act

The SWIPES Act strengthens federal laws against financial fraud by explicitly including gift cards and digital credentials in the definition of "access devices" under existing statutes. It significantly increases prison sentences for individuals who traffic large quantities of counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, with penalties reaching up to 30 years for offenses involving more than 1,000 items. Additionally, the bill introduces a new federal offense that mandates an extra two-year consecutive prison sentence for anyone who commits fraud against victims over the age of 60.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill explicitly increases prison sentences to up to 30 years and introduces new federal offenses with mandatory penalties, aligning with indicators for opposing criminal justice reform by expanding punishment.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill enhances cybersecurity by criminalizing fraud involving digital credentials and gift cards, protecting users from financial harm in the digital economy.75% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections
Ashley Moody (R)
Showing 1 to 10 of 39 bills
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