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119-hr-5312119th Congress

JAIL Act

Sponsored By: Representative Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create civil liability for judges and government entities that release certain repeat violent offenders on pretrial bail when those defendants later harm someone. It defines a "covered defendant" as someone charged with a crime of violence who has a prior conviction for a crime of violence.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Victims could sue over bail release harms

If enacted, people hurt by a "covered defendant" while on pretrial release could sue the judge or government that ordered the release. If the victim died, an immediate family member could sue. Cases would be filed in a U.S. district court for money damages, and judges could not claim judicial immunity. A "covered defendant" would mean someone charged with a crime of violence who also has a prior conviction for a crime of violence; "crime of violence" uses the meaning in 18 U.S.C. § 16. This would apply only if the harm happened during the pretrial release period, and "judge" includes both federal and state judges.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 9/11/2025

  • Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 9/11/2025

  • Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 9/15/2025

  • Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 9/19/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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