Bill · H.R. 10335· House(119-HR-10335)
Restoring Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/10/2026
- Last activity
- 9/10/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Glenn Grothman
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Restoring Civil Rights Attorney's Fees Act of 2026. It changes how attorney's fees are handled in certain civil actions. Specifically, it explains when a party is considered prevailing in a case. This includes getting relief through judicial orders, enforceable agreements, or when a defendant makes a voluntary change that grants the relief sought. The bill applies to cases pending on the date of enactment or commenced on or after that date.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
The bill ensures fair treatment in civil actions by clarifying standards for prevailing parties to obtain attorney's fees.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3
The bill helps lower-income individuals access and succeed in civil rights litigation by securing attorney's fees under broader conditions.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+3
The legislation supports minority plaintiffs in civil rights cases by facilitating the recovery of attorney's fees.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2, adding subsection (d)(1), ensures a party is considered prevailing if they obtain relief through a judicial order, preliminary injunction, or temporary restraining order that materially alters the legal relationship, regardless of subsequent vacatur on mootness grounds. This could benefit individuals by making sure they can still be recognized as successful even if a case becomes moot later.
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Section 2, adding subsection (d)(2), states a party is prevailing if they get an enforceable written agreement or consent decree. This helps everyday people by ensuring that settled agreements officially count toward winning their legal rights.
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Section 2, adding subsection (d)(3), considers a party prevailing if a government office, agency, or official makes a voluntary or unilateral change that substantially grants the relief sought. This protects individuals by holding officials accountable when their voluntary actions give people what they were fighting for in court.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based strictly on the provided text, there are no explicit negative impacts, burdens, or consequences identified for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For L G B T Q Community+3Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For People With Disabilities+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+3Improves Racial Equity+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+4
- 10/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
Mary Gay ScanlonDemocrat · Pennsylvania