Bill · S. 1914· Senate(119-S-1914)
Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Elizabeth Warren
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act of 2025 aims to require Federal law enforcement and prison officials to provide immediate medical help to people in custody experiencing medical distress. It defines medical distress to include issues like breathing difficulties. Under this bill, it would be unlawful for covered officials to negligently fail to act if that failure results in unnecessary pain, injury, or death. Violators could face fines, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The act also establishes an investigation process through the appropriate Inspector General and allows for state civil enforcement. Additionally, agency heads would be required to provide training on providing medical assistance.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
The bill mandates immediate medical attention for individuals in federal custody experiencing medical distress.
Does this change how police departments operate?+6
It increases accountability for federal law enforcement and prison officials regarding medical neglect.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill creates a confidential complaint process and requires Inspector General investigations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Health and Safety: The bill creates a legal requirement for covered officials to obtain or provide immediate medical attention to individuals displaying medical distress, such as breathing difficulties (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Accountability for Negligence: It establishes that it is unlawful for a covered official to negligently fail to provide medical care if the individual suffers unnecessary pain, injury, or death (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Legal Recourse for Victims: State attorneys general or their designated entities may bring civil actions in federal district court to obtain equitable and declaratory relief if a resident is aggrieved by a violation (Section 2(b)(3)).
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Investigation and Oversight: The appropriate Inspector General is required to investigate instances where a failure to provide medical attention results in unnecessary pain, injury, or death (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Confidential Reporting: Federal agencies must establish a process for individuals to confidentially submit complaints to the Inspector General regarding these incidents (Section 2(c)(3)).
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Improved Preparedness through Training: Agency heads are required to provide training to covered officials on how to obtain or provide medical assistance to those in distress (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Criminal Penalties for Officials: Covered officials who are found to have negligently failed to provide medical attention could face fines and imprisonment for up to one year (Section 2(b)(2)).
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
- Improves Due Process+5Improves Government Transparency+5Increase States Rights+4Increases Federal Power+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+6
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont