Gary Palmer (R-AL)
Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2026 aims to amend the United States Code to increase transparency regarding settlement agreements. It requires federal agencies to establish and maintain public online databases containing specific information and documents related to "covered settlement agreements." These covered agreements include those involving large payments, special monitors, or certain government entities. The bill mandates the publication of details such as the nature of the claim, dates, and specific payment amounts. Agencies must also provide annual reports on any agreements that were not disclosed due to exemptions.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires agencies to maintain a public, searchable database of high-value settlement agreements and their specific terms.
- Scored +3
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill increases transparency regarding large financial settlements and penalties involving government agencies.
- Scored +2
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Increased transparency in large-scale government settlements can improve public oversight of how public funds are used.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency through Public Databases: Agency heads must establish and maintain a public online database that includes categorized and searchable lists of covered settlement agreements (Section 2(b)(1)(A)). This provides the public with access to specific information such as the date of execution, the amounts parties are obligated to pay, and the specific statutory provisions allegedly violated (Section 2(b)(1)(A)(i)).
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Accountability for Large Settlements: The bill targets agreements that require not less than $10,000,000 in total explicitly obligated payments (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(i)). By requiring these details to be published, it brings visibility to significant financial settlements involving the government.
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Oversight of Government Entities: The requirements apply to agreements involving various government units, including States, metropolitan cities, or local governments (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(iii)). This ensures that settlements involving these entities are subject to public scrutiny.
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Monitoring of Exempted Agreements: Agencies must submit a report to Congress and make it publicly available regarding covered settlement agreements that were not disclosed in the database (Section 2(b)(3)(A)). This report includes the number of exempted agreements and the specific reasons for those exemptions, which helps track what information is being withheld from the public.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Exemptions from Disclosure: Certain settlement agreements will not be published if they are subject to a confidentiality provision, a court order, or are subject to withholding under section 552 (Section 2(b)(1)(B)). This means some significant agreements may still remain private.
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Exclusion of Specific Legal Matters: The definition of a "covered settlement agreement" specifically excludes matters related to the United States Trustee Program, Federal employee personnel actions, non-prosecution agreements, plea bargains, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or certain actions under title 18 (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(B)). This limits the scope of the transparency the bill provides.
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Limits on Legal Recourse: The act specifies that the inclusion or omission of information in the required databases shall not be construed as creating any legal right or opportunity for judicial review (Section 2(c)(2)).
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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires agencies to maintain a public, searchable database of high-value settlement agreements and their specific terms.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill increases transparency regarding large financial settlements and penalties involving government agencies.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased transparency in large-scale government settlements can improve public oversight of how public funds are used.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill provides public visibility into settlements that may resolve criminal or civil claims involving government entities.
- 3/18/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
- 3/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Kweisi MfumeDemocrat · Maryland