Bill · H.R. 8064· House(119-HR-8064)
Career Criminal Accountability Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/24/2026
- Last activity
- 3/24/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Chip Roy
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Career Criminal Accountability Act of 2026 aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to implement a three-strikes sentencing system. Under this law, sentencing judges must determine if a defendant qualifies as a three-strikes offender based on specific strike counts for various offenses. Depending on the most serious crime committed, offenders may face added consecutive sentences of 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, or life imprisonment. The bill establishes specific point values for different types of crimes, such as misdemeanors, nonviolent felonies, and violent felonies. It also includes specific rules for how strikes are counted for individuals who were juveniles at the time of their offenses.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
Creates new federal sentencing mandates that override judicial discretion.
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+4
Increases penalties significantly for firearm-related felony offenses.
Would children be better off under this?+3
Provides specific protections and reduced strike values for juveniles.
The opposite· 3 of 11
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-8
The bill implements harsh mandatory minimums and life sentences, moving away from judicial discretion.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-6
Mandatory consecutive sentences limit the court's ability to consider individual mitigating circumstances.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?-5
Mandatory minimums have historically caused disparate impacts on African American populations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protections for Juveniles: The bill provides reduced strike counts for those who committed offenses as juveniles, specifically counting nonviolent or firearm-s related felonies as only one-quarter strike and violent felonies as one-half strike. (Section 3, subsection b, paragraphs 5, 6)
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Prevention of Misdemeanor-only Enhancements: The law ensures that a defendant cannot receive a sentencing enhancement based solely on a misdemeanor conviction; they must be convicted of a felony first to be eligible for the enhancement. (Section 3, subsection d)
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Limits on Strike Accrual for Single Criminal Acts: To prevent excessive sentencing for single events, a defendant cannot be deemed a three-strikes offender if all strikes result from a single episode of criminal action. (Section 3, subsection e, paragraph 1)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Significant Increases in Prison Time: Individuals convicted of specific offenses may face extremely long consecutive sentences, including 10 years for nonviolent felonies, 15 years for firearm-related felonies, or even life imprisonment for violent felonies. (Section 3, subsection c)
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Severe Penalties for Violent Crimes: Defendants convicted of violent felonies where they have a history of strike-eligible offenses may be sentenced to life imprisonment. (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 3)
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Increased Sentence for Specific Violent Felonies: Certain violent felony offenses can result in a mandatory 20-year consecutive sentence if the defendant has a specific history of prior strike-eligible offenses. (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 3, subparagraph D)
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 Children+3Good For African Americans-5Good For Hispanic Americans-5Good For Gun Owners-4Good For Immigrants-4Good For Low Income Households-4Good For Young Adults-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+4Improves Border Security+3Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-8Improves Racial Equity-5Improves Second Amendment Protections-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Due Process-6Increase States Rights-5
- 4/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas
Wesley HuntRepublican · Texas
Keith SelfRepublican · Texas