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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 9 of 9 bills

Bills opposing criminal justice

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 · 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 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 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)
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
in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9904: Deputy Darren Almendarez Act

This bill, known as the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, adds a new federal crime for knowingly possessing or purchasing catalytic converters removed from vehicles with the intent to sell or distribute them. It directly affects individuals involved in the removal and resale of these parts, as well as businesses like scrap yards and repair shops, by establishing penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of $100,000 for first offenses. The law includes specific exceptions that allow for legal possession or purchase if the converter was removed by a vehicle owner, acquired during official duties by authorized entities, or bought from licensed businesses that follow state and local identification rules. For repeat offenders, the potential prison sentence increases to ten years and the fine limit rises to $200,000.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating a new federal crime and imposing harsh penalties, which restricts individual liberty and increases the scope of federal criminal law.90% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement
Brandon Gill (R) · 13 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · House Jul 20, 2026

HR 9775: Concealed Crime Prevention Act

The Concealed Crime Prevention Act amends Washington, D.C. law to impose stricter prison sentences for individuals who wear ski masks or similar head coverings that conceal their identity while committing a crime. This provision specifically targets balaclavas and comparable gear while explicitly excluding religious headwear from the definition. Under the new rules, anyone found guilty of a misdemeanor while wearing such a mask faces a mandatory minimum of six months in prison, and those convicted of a felony face a mandatory minimum of two years. These additional sentences must be served consecutively to any other prison time given for the underlying offense and apply to crimes committed on or after the bill's enactment date.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory minimum sentences and expands criminalization of identity concealment, restricting judicial discretion.95% confidence
Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing
Tim Burchett (R)