A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
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
The Private Detention Corporate Accountability Act of 2026 aims to hold private detention centers accountable for the wrongful death of individuals in their care. This bill creates a private right of action against officers or employees who cause such deaths. It allows for the recovery of statutory damages of at least $5,000,000, economic damages, and punitive damages. Victims or their successors can bring these actions in appropriate United States district courts. Additionally, the bill establishes vicarious liability for the private detention centers themselves. It specifically prohibits officers and employees from using immunity defenses to avoid liability.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +8
Would immigrants be better off under this?
Provides a powerful legal remedy for individuals held in private detention centers.
- Scored +7
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
It enhances due process for victims by creating a clear legal path to seek damages for wrongful death.
- Scored +6
Does this change how police departments operate?
By removing immunity defenses and creating a right of action, it increases accountability for personnel in detention facilities.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would business owners be better off under this?
Increases liability risks and potential damage awards for owners of private detention centers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Recovery for Families: Under Section 2(a), the decedent or their successor in interest can seek statutory damages of at least $5,000,000, plus economic and punitive damages, providing significant financial relief after a wrongful death.
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Access to Federal Courts: Section 2(b) allows the harmed party to bring an action in the appropriate district court of the United States, providing a specific legal avenue for seeking relief.
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Corporate Accountability: Section 2(c) establishes vicarious liability, meaning the private detention center itself is held responsible for the harm caused by its officers or employees.
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Removal of Legal Barriers: Section 2(d) ensures that no officer or employee can use absolute or qualified immunity as a defense, making it harder for individuals to avoid accountability for their actions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not contain any provisions that establish negative consequences or burdens 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 immigrants be better off under this? — Provides a powerful legal remedy for individuals held in private detention centers. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Provides a mechanism for significant financial recovery for victims of wrongful death in detention. Would business owners be better off under this? — Increases liability risks and potential damage awards for owners of private detention centers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — It enhances due process for victims by creating a clear legal path to seek damages for wrongful death.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — By removing immunity defenses and creating a right of action, it increases accountability for personnel in detention facilities.
- 7/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey