Glenn Grothman (R-WI)
Restoring Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Restoring Civil Rights Attorney's Fees Act of 2026. It changes how attorney's fees are handled in certain civil actions. Specifically, it explains when a party is considered prevailing in a case. This includes getting relief through judicial orders, enforceable agreements, or when a defendant makes a voluntary change that grants the relief sought. The bill applies to cases pending on the date of enactment or commenced on or after that date.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +4
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill ensures fair treatment in civil actions by clarifying standards for prevailing parties to obtain attorney's fees.
- Scored +3
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill helps lower-income individuals access and succeed in civil rights litigation by securing attorney's fees under broader conditions.
- Scored +3
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The legislation supports minority plaintiffs in civil rights cases by facilitating the recovery of attorney's fees.
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, adding subsection (d)(1), ensures a party is considered prevailing if they obtain relief through a judicial order, preliminary injunction, or temporary restraining order that materially alters the legal relationship, regardless of subsequent vacatur on mootness grounds. This could benefit individuals by making sure they can still be recognized as successful even if a case becomes moot later.
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Section 2, adding subsection (d)(2), states a party is prevailing if they get an enforceable written agreement or consent decree. This helps everyday people by ensuring that settled agreements officially count toward winning their legal rights.
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Section 2, adding subsection (d)(3), considers a party prevailing if a government office, agency, or official makes a voluntary or unilateral change that substantially grants the relief sought. This protects individuals by holding officials accountable when their voluntary actions give people what they were fighting for in court.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based strictly on the provided text, there are no explicit negative impacts, burdens, or consequences identified for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The legislation supports minority plaintiffs in civil rights cases by facilitating the recovery of attorney's fees. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The legislation supports minority plaintiffs in civil rights cases by facilitating the recovery of attorney's fees. Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — The legislation supports LGBTQ individuals in civil rights litigation by ensuring better access to attorney's fees. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill helps lower-income individuals access and succeed in civil rights litigation by securing attorney's fees under broader conditions. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The legislation supports minority plaintiffs in civil rights cases by facilitating the recovery of attorney's fees. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill benefits individuals with disabilities by safeguarding their ability to recover attorney's fees in civil rights enforcement.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill ensures that individuals with disabilities pursuing civil rights claims can successfully recover attorney's fees even if cases become moot. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill clarifies and strengthens the application of attorney's fees in civil rights cases, protecting plaintiffs seeking redress.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill ensures fair treatment in civil actions by clarifying standards for prevailing parties to obtain attorney's fees.
- 10/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
Mary Gay ScanlonDemocrat · Pennsylvania