Bill · S. 3239· Senate(119-S-3239)
JAIL Act
- Introduced
- 11/20/2025
- Last activity
- 11/20/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Sheehy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Judicial Accountability for Irresponsible Leniency Act'' or the JAIL Act,'' aims to authorize civil actions against judges and other government entities. It specifically targets situations where a covered defendant is released on bail pending trial and subsequently harms another person. Under this act, victims or their immediate family members could seek damages through a district court. The bill defines a covered defendant as someone charged with a crime of violence who has a prior conviction for a crime of violence. Notably, the act removes judicial immunity as a defense in these specific civil actions.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
The bill provides victims a legal mechanism to seek damages for harm caused by defendants released on bail.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill subjects judicial bail decisions to civil litigation and public accountability.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
The bill provides legal recourse to victims regardless of their economic status.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Right to Seek Damages: Victims of crimes committed by repeat offenders released on bail can bring a civil action to seek damages (Section 2(a)). This provides a legal avenue for those harmed to hold others accountable for the release of the defendant.
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Expanded Legal Recourse for Families: If a person is killed, their immediate family members are permitted to bring a civil action (Section 2(a)).
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Removal of Judicial Immunity: The bill specifies that judicial immunity is not a defense in these specific civil actions (Section 2(b)). This allows for direct legal accountability of judges and government entities regarding the release of certain defendants.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Civil Liability for Judges and Government Entities: Judges, including both Federal and State judges, as well as other government entities, can be sued for damages if a covered defendant harms someone while out on bail (Section 2(a) and Section 2(c)(3)).
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Targeted Legal Exposure: Government entities and judges face potential financial liability specifically when dealing with "covered defendants," defined as individuals charged with a crime of violence who have a previous conviction for a crime of violence (Section 2(c)(1)).
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+4Improves Government Transparency+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+2
- 11/20/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee