Criminal Justice (Courts)

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 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 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 Jun 4, 2026

HR 9155: CONSENT Act

The CONSENT Act establishes a federal civil remedy for individuals who receive unsolicited intimate visual depictions, such as non-consensual deepfakes, sent via interstate commerce. It defines consent as a voluntary authorization free from coercion and specifically prohibits the transmission of intimate digital forgeries created using artificial intelligence or other technological means. Victims can sue senders for up to $1,000 in statutory damages, emotional distress compensation, and court-ordered injunctions to stop the behavior, while also allowing minors to file under a pseudonym for privacy. The law explicitly excludes good faith transmissions for medical, educational, or law enforcement purposes and states that it does not override existing criminal laws or First Amendment rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a federal civil remedy for non-consensual intimate imagery, enhancing victim protection and accountability within the justice system.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens cybersecurity and digital rights by establishing civil remedies against non-consensual deepfakes and regulating harmful AI-generated content.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · United States · House May 29, 2026

HR 9069: KIDS Act

The KIDS Act restricts U.S. immigration authorities from detaining children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, and their primary caregivers, with limited exceptions for criminal warrants. It also prohibits law enforcement from conducting immigration actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and disaster relief sites. If a violation occurs, the bill mandates the immediate release of wrongfully detained individuals and bars the use of information gathered during illegal enforcement actions in future court cases. Additionally, the law requires that any necessary detentions be reported to Congress within 24 hours and prioritizes placing children with parents or designated guardians.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts immigration detention of vulnerable groups and limits police actions near sensitive sites, enhancing civil rights and police accountability.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts immigration enforcement actions against vulnerable groups and limits cooperation with federal authorities, protecting immigrant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies Tags Children

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 16, 2026

S 4324: Federal Prosecutorial Accountability Act

The Federal Prosecutorial Accountability Act modifies existing Department of Justice rules to address misconduct by government attorneys. It mandates that any federal prosecutor sanctioned under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure will be barred from representing the government in court for one year. The Office of Professional Responsibility within the Department of Justice is tasked with enforcing this ban. This change directly affects attorneys working for the federal government who face specific legal penalties for improper litigation conduct.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances prosecutorial accountability and oversight, directly strengthening integrity within the criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · United States · House May 29, 2026

HR 9076: Postal Data Privacy Act of 2026

The Postal Data Privacy Act of 2026 restricts the use of mail covers by requiring governmental entities to obtain a court order before accessing postal records for criminal investigations. To qualify for such an order, authorities must provide specific facts demonstrating that the requested data is relevant and material to an ongoing case, while state laws prohibiting mail covers would override federal requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that postal officials preserve relevant records for up to 180 days while a court order is being sought or renewed. These provisions directly affect federal and state law enforcement agencies as well as the United States Postal Inspection Service by establishing new procedural safeguards for accessing mail data.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts mail covers and requires court orders, enhancing privacy and limiting law enforcement surveillance overreach.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by restricting mail covers and requiring court orders, aligning with digital rights protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Privacy

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in committee · United States · Senate May 20, 2026

S 4590: KIDS Act

The KIDS Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from detaining children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, or their primary caregivers, with limited exceptions for criminal warrants. It also bans immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and polling places, including during travel to or from these sites. If the Department violates these rules, any evidence gathered from the illegal action cannot be used in court, and the affected individuals must be released immediately. The bill requires that any necessary detentions be reported to Congress within 24 hours and prioritizes releasing children to their parents or designated caregivers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts immigration enforcement near sensitive locations and protects vulnerable groups, enhancing civil rights and limiting excessive law enforcement actions.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a safe zone around schools, protecting students and educators from immigration enforcement, thereby supporting educational access and safety.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts federal immigration enforcement actions, protecting vulnerable populations and limiting detention near sensitive locations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies Tags Children

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in committee · United States · House May 19, 2026

HR 8898: End Government Pensions for Sexual Abusers Act of 2026

This bill prohibits Members of Congress and their survivors from receiving federal retirement benefits if they are convicted of specific sexual offenses committed on or after the law's enactment. It also bars pension payments for individuals who are under indictment for these crimes and willfully remain outside the United States for more than a year to avoid prosecution. Additionally, the legislation allows funds that would have gone to a convicted member's pension to be redirected to pay court-ordered restitution to victims of the sexual offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes pensions from sexual abusers, holding offenders accountable and protecting public funds, which strengthens criminal justice integrity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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in committee · United States · Senate May 20, 2026

S 4594: Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act

The Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act restricts how federal government agencies can use administrative subpoenas to obtain phone and app records from service providers. It requires agencies to identify a specific individual by name or account details before requesting data and explicitly bans using these subpoenas to investigate or retaliate against constitutionally protected activities like free speech or religious exercise. The law also mandates that agencies certify the subpoena's legitimate purpose and allows service providers to notify customers about the request unless a court orders otherwise. Finally, the bill requires federal agencies to 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 banning investigations into constitutionally protected activities like free speech.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects data privacy by restricting government access to phone and app records and banning retaliation for protected activities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Data Privacy Tags Civil Liberties

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