Bill · H.R. 8984· House(119-HR-8984)
Respect Our Communities Act
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/22/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
- Sponsored by
- Joseph Morelle
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Respect Our Communities Act" stops the Department of Homeland Security and other Federal agencies from starting any new processing sites or detention centers for CBP or ICE. Before moving forward with construction, acquisition, renovation, or operation, agencies must issue a public notice in the Federal Register for at least 30 days of public comment. They must also provide an economic impact analysis and an engineering review. Additionally, agencies must get a signed, written agreement from the Governor and appropriate local government officials. Finally, the agency must notify specific House and Senate committees at least 30 days before proceeding.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+8
Mandates a signed agreement from the Governor and local officials before federal action.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
Requires public notices in the Federal Register and advance Congressional reporting.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
Prevents federal government from imposing detention facilities on rural communities without local consent.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-5
Significantly restricts the federal government's ability to act unilaterally in siting facilities.
Does this tighten control of the border?-2
Adds significant administrative hurdles to the establishment of new processing sites.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Public Input: Section 3(1) requires a public notice in the Federal Register open for comments for at least 30 days, giving the public a way to voice concerns about new facilities.
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Local Consent: Section 3(2)(B) requires a signed, written agreement from the Governor and appropriate local government officials, ensuring local leaders authorize the facility.
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Environmental and Resource Protection: Section 3(1)(C) and (E) require agencies to explain compliance with environmental regulations and provide an engineering review on water usage, electrical demand, and waste exportation.
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Government Oversight: Section 3(3) requires the agency to report the plan and the executed agreement to six different Congressional committees 30 days in advance.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not list any specific sections or provisions that would result in negative consequences or burdens 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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+8Improves Government Transparency+7Increases Federal Power-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Immigrants+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security-2
- 5/22/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.