Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · House Sep 2, 2026

HR 10231: No Homeless Detention Centers Act

The No Homeless Detention Centers Act prohibits recipients of federal housing funds from forcing homeless individuals to live in government facilities or requiring them to perform labor in exchange for shelter. The bill also bans local and state authorities from punishing people for engaging in basic life-sustaining activities, such as sleeping or resting, on public property. These restrictions apply to actions taken by law enforcement officers or private contractors acting under federal authority. By tying these prohibitions to federal funding, the legislation aims to prevent the use of criminal penalties or involuntary confinement to address homelessness.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill restricts law enforcement authority to enforce anti-camping laws and mandates against detaining homeless individuals, limiting criminal justice powers.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects homeless individuals from forced labor and criminalization of survival activities, directly advancing tenant protections and housing rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Homelessness

Track

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

Track

in committee · United States · House Aug 6, 2026

HR 10052: Right to Worship Act

The Right to Worship Act makes it unlawful for individuals to knowingly disrupt religious services or prevent people from entering houses of worship within 100 feet of an entryway during the hour before and after a scheduled service. The bill applies to conduct that meaningfully interferes with a service's normal operation or unreasonably hinders participation, while explicitly allowing free speech as long as it adheres to these specific time, place, and manner restrictions. Violators face escalating civil fines ranging from $2,500 for a first offense to $10,000 for subsequent offenses, assessed by the Attorney General. Additionally, the act permits aggrieved individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, or state attorneys general to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill expands criminalization by creating a new federal offense for disrupting worship, which aligns with indicators of expanding criminal law rather than reform.75% confidence

Track

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

Track

in committee · United States · House Feb 4, 2025

HR 923: Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025

The Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025 prohibits civilian possession, sale, or transfer of rifles capable of firing .50 caliber ammunition, with exceptions for government use and rifles lawfully owned before the bill's enactment. It requires owners of such rifles to register them with the federal government within 12 months, without fees, and adds these rifles to the National Firearms Act registry. The bill also creates new federal firearm restrictions for significant foreign narcotics traffickers identified under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act and expands reporting requirements for rifle sales to include all rifles. This directly affects civilian rifle owners, sellers, and individuals designated as foreign narcotics traffickers.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civilian firearm ownership and expands federal registration requirements, limiting individual rights under the guise of criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Firearms

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 7, 2026

HR 9314: DHS Surveillance Technology Moratorium Act of 2026

The DHS Surveillance Technology Moratorium Act of 2026 temporarily halts the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to start, renew, or expand contracts for surveillance tools used in immigration enforcement, such as facial recognition and predictive analytics. This pause applies to agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, though existing contracts can continue until a review is complete. The bill mandates an independent audit within 180 days to examine data collection practices, privacy impacts, and the accuracy of these technologies, followed by a public report detailing their use and capabilities. The funding ban remains in effect until the audit is finished, a public report is released, and the department demonstrates it has implemented necessary safeguards to protect civil liberties. Once these conditions are met, the moratorium lifts, but the department must submit annual reports on its continued use of these technologies and any related privacy complaints.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill restricts DHS spending on surveillance contracts, effectively limiting government appropriations for specific enforcement tools.75% confidence ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts DHS surveillance tools used in immigration enforcement, limiting law enforcement capabilities and oversight.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts immigration enforcement by halting DHS funding for surveillance tools like facial recognition, limiting enforcement capabilities.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts the use of surveillance technologies like facial recognition, limiting their deployment in immigration enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Border Security Detention Enforcement Data Privacy Emerging Technology

Track

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

Track

in committee · United States · House Jun 8, 2026

HR 9208: HEAR Act of 2026

The HEAR Act of 2026 makes it illegal for most people to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess firearm silencers and mufflers. The law allows exceptions for law enforcement officers, campus security personnel, nuclear facility employees, and licensed manufacturers conducting authorized testing. To help individuals comply with the new restrictions, the bill requires the Attorney General to create a nationwide buy-back program that pays people who surrender their silencers. These changes would take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by banning silencers for most citizens and mandates a buy-back program to remove them, restricting lawful possession.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

Track

in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8977: EFFIE Act

The EFFIE Act criminalizes knowingly signing fraudulent documents required to appear on federal election ballots. This law directly affects individuals running for federal office and their agents by making such deceptive acts a felony. Violators could face fines of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both penalties. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating a new felony for signing fraudulent election documents, directly increasing the scope of criminal penalties.95% confidence

Track

in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8955: Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act

The Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act prohibits the use of federal funds to pay claims submitted to the Anti-Weaponization Fund. This fund was established by the Department of Justice on May 18, 2026, and the bill specifically bars any money from being used for these payments. The legislation directly affects the Department of Justice and any individuals or entities seeking reimbursement from this specific fund. By restricting funding sources, the bill aims to prevent taxpayer money from being spent on claims directed to this newly created entity.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill restricts the use of federal funds for specific claims, effectively limiting government spending and defunding a designated program.85% confidence ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts funding for the Anti-Weaponization Fund, a DOJ initiative, thereby limiting resources for criminal justice reform efforts.90% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

Track