Bill · H.R. 5649· House(119-HR-5649)
Judicial Accountability for Public Safety Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 9/30/2025
- Last activity
- 9/30/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Moore
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Judicial Accountability for Public Safety Act of 2025 establishes civil liability for judicial officers. It targets actions involving intentional disregard for public safety or gross negligence during bond determinations or sentencing decisions. If a person proves they were injured by such actions through clear and convincing evidence, they can seek relief, including punitive damages. This Act limits the use of immunity that would otherwise protect a judicial officer. The scope includes federal, state, and local judges acting in criminal proceedings.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+3
The bill provides a legal avenue for individuals to seek relief if they are harmed by judicial misconduct in bond or sentencing.
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+3
The bill creates a mechanism for accountability in sentencing decisions by establishing civil liability for judicial officers.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
The bill provides a potential legal remedy for those affected by judicial errors in bond or sentencing which often impact low-income individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Ability to seek relief for injuries: Individuals who are injured due to a judicial officer's intentional disregard for public safety or gross negligence in bond or sentencing matters can obtain relief from a court, which may include punitive damages (Section 2(a)).
-
Removal of legal barriers to accountability: The Act prevents judicial officers from asserting existing Federal or State immunity in civil actions brought under this section, potentially making it easier to hold them accountable (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No impact for good faith or ordinary discretion: The law does not apply to judicial acts that are taken in good faith or fall within the scope of ordinary judicial discretion (Section 2(b)).
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+2Good For Low Income Households+2Good For People With Disabilities+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+3Improves Government Transparency+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+3Improves Racial Equity+2
- 12/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/2/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/30/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska
Byron DonaldsRepublican · Florida
Scott DesJarlaisRepublican · Tennessee
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas