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

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in committee · United States · House Sep 2, 2026

HR 10221: Flock-Off Act

The Flock-Off Act prohibits federal agencies, state and local governments, and other recipients of federal funds from using federal money to purchase, operate, or maintain automated camera systems that capture biometric data or license plate information. The bill requires these entities to remove any existing covered camera systems within 180 days of enactment, with violations resulting in the withholding of further federal funding until reimbursed. Specific exceptions allow for the continued use of such systems within one mile of the U.S. borders for security purposes and on toll roads strictly for toll collection and enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill restricts law enforcement surveillance capabilities by banning federal funding for biometric and license plate camera systems.75% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyThe bill prohibits the use of federal funds for automated biometric and license plate camera systems, directly restricting government surveillance technology.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationProhibits use of federal funds for license plate recognition systems, restricting a key transportation safety and enforcement tool.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Vehicle Registration

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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

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 7, 2026

S 5371: Stopping Border Surges Act

The Stopping Border Surges Act proposes significant changes to U.S. immigration law regarding unaccompanied children and asylum seekers. It mandates that unaccompanied alien children be repatriated to their home countries if they do not meet specific criteria, while also allowing for the detention of families who entered the country together for misdemeanor border-crossing charges. For asylum applicants, the bill restricts eligibility to those arriving at designated ports of entry and shortens the deadline to file an application from one year to six months. It introduces a "safe third country" provision that can bar asylum claims if an individual transited through another nation without seeking protection there first. Additionally, the legislation requires audio or video recording of expedited removal interviews, imposes criminal penalties for asylum fraud, and terminates asylum status if an individual voluntarily returns to their home country.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates detention for misdemeanor border-crossing charges and restricts asylum eligibility, expanding criminalization within the justice system.75% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill mandates repatriation of unaccompanied children, allows detention for border crossing, and restricts asylum eligibility, significantly limiting immigrant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5289: 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 a one-hour window before and after scheduled services. The bill defines prohibited conduct based on the manner of the action, such as volume and duration, rather than the specific content of any speech, while explicitly preserving the right to speak freely under standard time, place, and manner restrictions. Violators face escalating civil fines ranging from $2,500 for a first offense to $10,000 per occurrence for subsequent violations, which are assessed by the Attorney General. Additionally, the legislation grants private individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and state Attorneys General the authority to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, or statutory penalties of $5,000 per violation.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill creates a new criminal offense for disrupting worship, thereby expanding the scope of criminalization and law enforcement jurisdiction.65% confidence

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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 · 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

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 5202: Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act

The Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act prohibits the use of federal funds to support research or publications regarding gender transition for individuals under the age of 18. This restriction specifically targets studies that aim to affirm a minor's perception or identity when it differs from their sex assigned at birth, as defined by their reproductive biology and genetics. The bill directly affects federal agencies and institutions that might otherwise receive funding to conduct such observational studies on hormonal treatments or surgical procedures for minors. By limiting financial support, the legislation seeks to prevent government resources from being used for research that challenges the biological definition of sex at birth.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts research on gender transition for minors, limiting scientific inquiry and potentially reducing access to care, which opposes criminal justice reform principles of protecting rights and reducing harm.95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill restricts federal funding for gender transition research in minors, limiting educational access to gender-affirming care and related academic studies.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts federal funding for gender transition research in minors, limiting access to healthcare services and studies.95% confidence

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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

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in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9937: No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act

This bill, known as the No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act, aims to increase penalties for trafficking fentanyl and other synthetic opioids while enhancing detection efforts by the U.S. Postal Service. It lowers the quantity thresholds required for federal felony charges and mandates that sentencing guidelines be updated to reflect these stricter penalties. Additionally, the legislation directs the Postmaster General to purchase more chemical screening devices and hire scientists to identify illegal drugs in mail shipments, authorizing $9 million in funding to support these interdiction activities.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties, lowers trafficking thresholds, and expands criminalization, which restricts leniency and strengthens punitive measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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