Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced
Summary
Mandatory sanctions on officials tied to deaths or mistreatment of Hong Kong political prisoners. This bill would require the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Treasury, to investigate deaths in custody, identify responsible PRC or Hong Kong officials, and trigger sanctions and diplomatic measures under set timelines.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Diplomatic actions and prisoner reports
If enacted, the Secretary of State would have 90 days to consider and, as appropriate, recommend stronger steps to address mistreatment of Hong Kong political prisoners. That could include finding officials who meet sanctions rules and recommending limits on privileges for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices. The Secretary would also have to report to Congress within 90 days and then yearly on Jimmy Lai's health and on any denial of medical, legal, consular, or family access, plus recommended U.S. actions.
Sanctions for officials over deaths
If enacted, the Secretary of State would have to act quickly when credible information shows a Hong Kong political prisoner died in custody. Within 30 days the Secretary would determine cause and name responsible officials. Within 60 days the Secretary would impose sanctions, including tools from the Global Magnitsky law and the Hong Kong Autonomy Act. The bill would also require the U.S. to press for a U.N. independent inquiry, seek allied coordination, allow visa limits on adult family members of sanctioned persons, and require reports before sanctions are ended.
Who counts as a political prisoner
If enacted, the bill would define who is a "Hong Kong political prisoner." The Secretary of State would decide if someone qualifies. The bill would create a rebuttable presumption that people charged under listed laws are political prisoners unless strong, independent evidence shows otherwise. It would also define which PRC or Hong Kong officials could be treated as responsible for mistreatment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
AK • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 9/16/2026
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
TN • R
Sponsored 9/24/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov