Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · United States · Senate Jan 16, 2025

S 115: GATE CRASHERS Act

S 115, the GATE CRASHERS Act, makes it a federal crime to enter clearly marked restricted or closed Department of Defense (DOD) property without authorization. The bill creates new penalties under Title 18: up to 180 days in jail for a first offense, up to 3 years for a second offense, and up to 10 years for a third or subsequent offense. It directly affects individuals who trespass on DOD facilities despite clear signage restricting access. The law applies to all property under DOD jurisdiction that is marked as closed or restricted, with penalties escalating for repeat violations. This bill does not alter existing DOD security protocols but establishes specific criminal penalties for unauthorized access.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new federal trespass penalties with mandatory sentences for DOD property violations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 29, 2025

HR 4811: Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025

The Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain warrants before using cell-site simulators (devices that mimic cell towers to track or intercept phone communications), with strict requirements for demonstrating necessity and minimizing disruption to communications. The bill prohibits most uses of these devices without a warrant, including the use of evidence obtained through unauthorized surveillance, and establishes specific procedures for emergency use with subsequent warrant applications within 48 hours. It requires transparency about potential disruption to emergency services (including 911 calls) and mandates regular reporting on usage to Congress. The law applies to federal and state law enforcement, with specific exceptions for intelligence gathering, research, and correctional facility contraband interdiction systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires warrants for cell-site simulators, protecting privacy rights and enhancing law enforcement accountability in criminal justice.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires warrants for cell-site simulators, protecting data privacy from unwarranted surveillance and banning evidence from unauthorized use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Jun 13, 2025

HR 4014: Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act

The PLANT Act makes it a federal crime to import high-risk agricultural pathogens - such as harmful bacteria, viruses, or pests - without a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit. It directly affects importers, including businesses or individuals bringing in biological agents that could damage U.S. crops, livestock, or ecosystems. Violations carry up to 10 years in prison, with penalties increasing to 20 years if the offense involves concealing the pathogen’s origin, foreign government involvement, or over $1 million in economic harm. The Secretary of Agriculture will define "high-risk" pathogens through future regulations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new federal crime for pathogen imports with prison terms (up to 20 years), aligning with 'oppose' indicator of expanding criminalization.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prevents importation of pathogens threatening crops, livestock, and ecosystems, directly protecting natural resources and conservation as per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · United States · House Jan 13, 2026

HR 6732: Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act

This bill creates new federal criminal penalties for intentionally coercing minors (under 18) through interstate means (like mail or online platforms) to engage in harmful acts. It specifically prohibits forcing minors to commit self-harm (including suicide attempts), animal cruelty, abusive nonsexual conduct, sexually explicit acts, or obscene speech. Violations carry fines and prison terms of up to 10 years, with harsher penalties (up to 20 years or life) if serious injury or death results. The law directly protects minors from coercion by perpetrators using interstate communication or commerce, with enforcement under existing federal criminal code.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new federal crime for coercing minors, expanding criminalization with harsh penalties (up to 20 years/life), aligning with 'expands criminalization' indicator for 'oppose'.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Human Trafficking

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jan 9, 2025

S 53: PRINTS Act

This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to obtain fingerprints from noncitizen children under 14 years old if they suspect the child is a trafficking victim. It also creates a new federal crime for adults (18+) who knowingly use a minor for entry into the U.S. when not a blood relative or guardian, punishable by fines or up to 10 years in prison. The law mandates sharing fingerprints with health officials for unaccompanied children and requires annual reports to Congress and monthly public updates on trafficking apprehensions involving false relative claims. It directly affects children entering the U.S., potential traffickers, and federal agencies handling border security and child welfare.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates new federal crime for exploiting minors in trafficking, strengthens victim protection, and enhances enforcement against traffickers - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of protecting vulnerable populations and holding offenders acco...95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRequires fingerprints for trafficking victims, creates crime for exploiting minors, mandates health official sharing - protects vulnerable immigrant children per bill language.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Border Security

Track

in committee · United States · House Jan 22, 2025

HR 629: Ending Chemical Abortions Act of 2025

HR 629, the "Ending Chemical Abortions Act of 2025," would criminalize the prescription, distribution, or sale of drugs used for chemical abortions (like mifepristone and misoprostol) under federal law, with penalties up to 25 years in prison. It directly affects healthcare providers who prescribe or dispense these drugs, while exempting contraceptive use before pregnancy, treatment of miscarriages, and life-threatening pregnancy conditions certified by a physician. The bill defines "abortion" as intentionally ending a pregnancy, excludes women from prosecution, and redefines "unborn child" to begin at fertilization. This legislation would replace existing federal abortion-related provisions and apply nationwide, making chemical abortion drugs subject to new criminal penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes medical practices with 25-year prison penalties, expanding criminalization and mandatory sentences - directly opposing criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareCriminalizes chemical abortion drugs, restricting access to reproductive healthcare services despite limited exemptions for contraceptives and medical emergencies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Women's Health

Track

in committee · United States · House Jun 13, 2025

HR 4015: Safe and Open Streets Act

HR 4015, the Safe and Open Streets Act, amends federal law to make it a crime to intentionally block public roads in a way that disrupts commerce. It targets individuals who obstruct, delay, or affect the movement of goods or services on public roads, with penalties including fines or up to five years in prison. The bill directly affects anyone who blocks roads during protests, demonstrations, or other actions that interfere with commercial traffic. This law updates existing federal commerce disruption statutes (18 U.S.C. §1951) to specifically address roadblocks, removing outdated language about "threats or violence" from related provisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by making protest roadblocks a federal crime, restricting civil liberties and opposing justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jan 8, 2025

S 34: Justice for 9/11 Act

S 34, the Justice for 9/11 Act, directly affects Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi - three individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay for their alleged roles in the 9/11 attacks. The bill mandates that their plea agreements and judgments cannot block military trials under Chapter 47A of Title 10 for the 9/11 attacks, makes the death penalty available in such trials, and requires them to remain in solitary confinement at Guantanamo Bay under strict conditions. Specifically, it prohibits contact with foreign nationals, restricts psychological treatment to only what medical authorities at Guantanamo authorize, and bans their transfer to the continental U.S. or any other country. The law overrides prior legal barriers to ensure these individuals face trial under military law with these specific confinement and sentencing provisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates death penalty and solitary confinement for 9/11 detainees, increasing punitive measures without reform context90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

Track

in committee · United States · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5974: Bureau of Prisons Pay Protection Act

HR 5974, the Bureau of Prisons Pay Protection Act, ensures federal prison staff continue receiving pay during government shutdowns. It directly affects Bureau of Prisons personnel at all federal correctional facilities, including both correctional officers and non-correctional employees like medical staff. The bill creates a specific funding mechanism by appropriating unspent Treasury funds to cover salaries during any lapse in discretionary appropriations. This guarantees that prison operations can continue without pay delays for staff when Congress fails to pass regular budget funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnsures ongoing pay for prison staff during shutdowns via unspent Treasury funds, preventing defunding of essential operations and promoting fiscal continuity in government spending.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnsures pay for Bureau of Prisons staff during shutdowns, maintaining correctional facility operations and stability without restricting services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · United States · House Feb 11, 2025

HR 1203: Stop VOYEURS Act of 2025

HR 1203, the Stop VOYEURS Act of 2025, strengthens federal criminal penalties for secret recording of people in private settings without consent. It increases maximum prison sentences for video voyeurism from one year to five years and expands federal jurisdiction by defining specific circumstances where such acts become federal crimes. These include using interstate commerce for payments, transmitting recordings via computer/email, using equipment that crossed state lines, or conducting the act in federal territories. The law directly affects individuals who secretly record others without consent in private situations, making these acts federal offenses when connected to interstate activity. This change aims to address the growing prevalence of non-consensual recordings by broadening enforcement scope.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases maximum prison sentences for voyeurism and expands federal jurisdiction, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of increasing penalties and expanding criminalization.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens privacy protections by criminalizing unauthorized digital recordings via email/computer, expanding federal jurisdiction for tech-assisted voyeurism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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