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119-hr-10733119th Congress

Improving Justice Programs through Science Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]

Introduced

Summary

Establishes a Science Advisory Board to bring researchers and justice practitioners together and steer evidence-based criminal and juvenile justice policy. The bill would create a 26-member board inside the Department of Justice to advise the Attorney General on research, statistics, and program evaluation.

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  • Researchers and academics would get a formal seat at the table through a 26-member board that must include at least eight researchers in statistics, evaluation, social sciences, or related fields. At least three-fifths of members must hold terminal degrees and published research.
  • Federal, state, local, tribal, and private justice partners would gain a standing forum for interdisciplinary projects and for advising on policy development, program implementation, and evaluation.
  • The Attorney General would receive regular, research-based advice and must report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees within 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter. Board members would serve 4-year terms and the board must comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Government in the Sunshine Act.

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Bill Overview

No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]

PA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 10/5/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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