Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5337: Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill expands detention authority, removes time limits, and restricts bond hearings, which limits due process rights within the criminal justice system.75% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationThe bill expands detention authority, removes time limits on detention, and restricts bond access, significantly limiting immigrant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 4775: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill limits civil liability for firearm manufacturers regarding third-party misuse, reducing accountability for public safety harms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Jun 11, 2026

HR 9298: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civil liability for gun misuse, limiting accountability and reducing remedies for victims of criminal violence.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 4671: Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison sentences and expands criminal penalties for firearm violations, restricting due process and enhancing punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House May 13, 2026

HR 8796: Federal Halo Act

The Federal Halo Act creates a new federal crime for approaching or staying within 15 feet of a law enforcement officer after receiving a verbal warning to stop. This provision applies to any individual who knowingly violates such a warning with the intent to interfere with the officer's duties, threaten them, or harass them. The bill defines harassment as a course of conduct that intentionally causes substantial emotional distress to the officer without a legitimate purpose. Anyone convicted of this offense could face a fine, up to five years in prison, or both penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating a new federal crime that restricts lawful behavior near officers, thereby limiting rights and increasing penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Feb 25, 2026

HR 7703: Stop Illegal Alien Cops Act

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

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts law enforcement by prohibiting government entities from employing or arming individuals unlawfully in the US, limiting police operational capacity.75% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts government entities from employing individuals unlawfully in the US and removes firearm exemptions for such individuals, limiting protections for immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 7982: Protect World Cup Attendees Act

This bill prohibits the use of specific federal Homeland Security grant funds for civil immigration enforcement activities during a defined period from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It directly affects state and local entities receiving funds under the State Homeland Security Grant program, restricting them from participating in Section 287(g) programs or conducting civil immigration enforcement during the covered time period. The law allows exceptions only for urgent situations involving imminent threats to life, national security, public safety, or evidence preservation. The legislation is titled the "Protect World Cup Attendees Act," indicating its purpose is to safeguard attendees of the 2026 World Cup event.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts federal funding for civil immigration enforcement, limiting law enforcement capabilities during a specific period.75% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts federal funds for civil immigration enforcement, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration activities during specified period.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · House Feb 25, 2026

HR 7678: Gun Owner Registration Information Protection Act

HR 7678, the Gun Owner Registration Information Protection Act, prohibits federal funding for state or local databases that track lawfully owned firearms or their owners. The bill allows federal funding for databases recording lost or stolen firearms but bans it for databases listing legal gun ownership. This means states cannot use federal money to create or maintain systems that compile information about legally owned guns. The bill directly affects state and local governments that rely on federal funds for firearm ownership databases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts federal funding for law enforcement databases tracking legal firearms, limiting data collection capabilities for criminal justice agencies.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Mar 27, 2025

S 1162: SHORT Act

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill removes federal restrictions on short-barreled firearms, potentially weakening gun control measures and expanding access to weapons that could impact public safety and law enforcement effectiveness.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 7988: Safe Passage to the World Cup Act

This bill restricts the use of federal funds for immigration enforcement on public transit and at transit hubs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It directly affects the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice by prohibiting civil immigration enforcement activities in metropolitan areas hosting World Cup matches or fan festivals from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026. The restriction applies except in cases of exigent circumstances, which include imminent threats of death or violence, national security risks, immediate arrest of dangerous individuals, or the need to prevent destruction of evidence. The law defines these exceptions to allow enforcement when there is an immediate risk to public safety or national security.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts immigration enforcement activities, limiting law enforcement capabilities during World Cup events, which opposes strengthening criminal justice enforcement.75% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts federal immigration enforcement during World Cup, limiting ICE activities and protecting immigrant communities from raids.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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