Bill · S. 5575· Senate(119-S-5575)
Stop Corrupt Gratuities Act
- Introduced
- 9/29/2026
- Last activity
- 9/29/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill is called the ``Stop Corrupt Gratuities Act''. It amends title 18, United States Code, to set up criminal penalties for gratuities given to State and local public officials. Under section 2, anyone who solicits, demands, accepts, or agrees to accept anything of value with the intent to be rewarded, or gives or offers anything of value to reward an agent of an organization or government in connection with certain transactions involving $5,000 or more, faces penalties. The penalties for these actions include being fined, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
By penalizing corrupt gratuities to public officials, the bill enhances ethical standards and accountability in government operations.
Does this change how police departments operate?+3
The bill establishes criminal penalties for corrupt gratuities given to state and local public officials, promoting integrity in governance.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The legislation expands federal criminal jurisdiction over gratuities involving state, local, and tribal government agents.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2 makes it illegal for state, local, or Indian tribal government agents or organization agents to solicit, demand, accept, or agree to accept anything of value with the intent to be rewarded in connection with business or transactions involving $5,000 or more. This holds officials accountable by setting criminal penalties, such as a fine, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both, for taking corrupt gratuities.
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Section 2 also makes it a crime for anyone to give, offer, or agree to give anything of value with the intent to reward an agent of an organization, or a State, local, or Indian tribal government, in connection with transactions involving $5,000 or more. This provision helps keep the people who offer payoffs to officials accountable under the law.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not explicitly mention any potential negative impacts, consequences, or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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 Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+3
- 9/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts