Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 4667: Open Courts Act of 2026

The Open Courts Act of 2026 creates a single, modernized online system to store and display public records for most federal courts in the United States. This centralized platform will automatically make court documents, audio recordings, and opinions available to the public immediately upon filing, while also offering features like searchable databases, email notifications for case updates, and permanent links for easy access. To help fund the development and maintenance of this new system, the bill introduces a fee structure that charges higher rates for high-volume users and government agencies while keeping basic access free for everyone. Additionally, the law sets strict standards for digital accessibility, cybersecurity, and data privacy, and requires regular audits to ensure the system meets user needs and remains secure.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances transparency and public access to court records, strengthening judicial oversight and accountability within the criminal justice system.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates a modernized online system for public records, enhancing digital access and infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Cybersecurity Data Privacy Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · United States · House Jun 10, 2026

HR 9236: HAILEY Act of 2026

The HAILEY Act of 2026 amends the PROTECT Act to update the criteria for issuing AMBER Alerts. It allows law enforcement to request these alerts for any missing person under 18 who is considered a high-risk individual, expanding the program beyond its previous focus on child abduction cases. This change applies to police agencies and the national AMBER Alert communication network, ensuring that alerts can be triggered for a broader range of endangered youth. The legislation does not alter the core requirements for issuing an alert but clarifies that the system covers all high-risk missing minors.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands AMBER Alerts to high-risk missing youth, enhancing public safety and law enforcement capabilities within the criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · United States · House Jul 7, 2026

HR 9294: Oversight of Temporary ICE Holding Cells Act

The Oversight of Temporary ICE Holding Cells Act limits how long U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can hold individuals in temporary secure areas before formal processing. Specifically, it prohibits detaining anyone in these holding rooms for longer than 12 hours. The law defines holding rooms as secure spaces used for short-term confinement before intake, court appointments, or transfer to another facility. This restriction directly affects the Department of Homeland Security's operations regarding the temporary detention of immigrants.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits detention duration in ICE holding cells, enhancing oversight and protecting civil rights within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill limits detention time for immigrants, protecting their rights and restricting federal enforcement power.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8976: Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act

The Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act aims to improve how the federal justice system treats women by mandating gender-informed training for law enforcement and probation officers, ensuring they understand the unique needs of female justice-involved individuals. The bill requires federal officers to allow arrested parents to arrange care for their children before taking them into custody and establishes grant programs to support these training initiatives and recruit more women into law enforcement. It also introduces significant changes to sentencing and incarceration, such as expanding pretrial diversion options for women with trauma histories, limiting penalties for conspiracy charges, and requiring the Bureau of Prisons to provide specific medical screenings, trauma-informed care, and gender-responsive programming. Furthermore, the legislation seeks to keep families together by allowing temporary releases to maintain community ties, updating custody laws to preserve parental rights, and ensuring that reentry programs are tailored to the specific challenges women face upon release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates gender-informed training and supports reform by addressing unique needs of female justice-involved individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Sentencing

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 8, 2026

S 4696: Right to Record Act of 2026

The Right to Record Act of 2026 establishes a federal legal right for individuals to record, observe, or peacefully protest federal law enforcement officers in public spaces, while explicitly stating that this right does not apply if a person physically restrains an officer. The bill creates a new cause of action allowing individuals to sue both the officer and the United States government for civil damages, including up to $25,000 per violation and up to $100,000 in punitive damages if the violation was committed with malice or reckless disregard. It defines specific prohibited actions such as arresting, ticketing, or intimidating someone for recording, and mandates that federal agencies provide annual training to officers on respecting these rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a right to record police and creates a cause of action for civil damages, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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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 · Senate May 20, 2026

S 4608: Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act

The Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed on or after the date the law takes effect. It directly affects individuals currently facing or serving federal death sentences by requiring that all such cases be resentenced to a penalty other than death. This legislation removes the death penalty as a sentencing option for federal offenses and mandates a review for those already sentenced to die before the bill becomes law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill eliminates the death penalty, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce harsh sentencing and protect civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SJRES 195: A joint resolution disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act of 2026.

This joint resolution expresses the U.S. Congress's disapproval of a specific law passed by the District of Columbia Council. The targeted law, known as the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act of 2026, was enacted in April 2026 to modify how arrest data is reported in the district. By formally rejecting this local legislation, the resolution prevents the proposed changes from taking effect or being implemented under federal oversight. The measure directly involves the relationship between the federal government and the local legislative authority of Washington, D.C.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill blocks a DC law enhancing arrest reporting accountability, limiting transparency and oversight in law enforcement.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8966: Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act

The Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act restricts how federal agencies can use administrative subpoenas to obtain phone and app records from service providers. It requires agencies to identify a specific person or account before requesting data, bans subpoenas aimed at investigating or retaliating against constitutionally protected activities like free speech, and mandates that agencies certify the subpoena's legitimate purpose. The law also allows service providers to notify customers about the subpoena and consult with lawyers, unless a court order specifically prevents such notification. Additionally, federal agencies must publicly report annually on the number of subpoenas issued and the total accounts affected.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by restricting subpoena abuse and preventing retaliation against constitutionally protected activities like free speech.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects data privacy by restricting government access to phone and app records, requiring specific targets, and banning subpoenas for retaliatory purposes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Data Privacy Tags Civil Liberties

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in committee · United States · House May 20, 2026

HR 8916: CHIERS Act of 2026

The CHIERS Act of 2026 authorizes federal grants to help individuals with substance use disorders reach treatment and supportive services by covering transportation costs. Eligible recipients include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and health centers that will use the funds to provide rides, purchase vehicles, or pay for taxi services for these individuals. The program specifically targets people experiencing homelessness or living in low-income areas where travel barriers limit access to care, while explicitly excluding involuntary treatment transport and law enforcement use. To ensure effectiveness, grant recipients must submit detailed plans and performance reports focused on reducing missed appointments, and the funding is designed to supplement rather than replace existing local resources.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds transportation to treatment for substance use disorders, aiding rehabilitation and reducing recidivism, which supports criminal justice reform.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes federal grants to cover transportation costs for substance use disorder treatment, improving patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes federal grants to fund transportation services for individuals with substance use disorders, directly supporting the transportation topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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