A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the 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, known as the "Epstein Files Transparency Act II," amends the existing Epstein Files Transparency Act. It focuses on enhancing enforcement mechanisms regarding the production of records. The legislation authorizes State attorneys general, district attorneys, and victims to bring legal actions against the Attorney General of the United States for unlawful withholding or redaction of specific materials. It also establishes protocols for victim access to unredacted records and provides specific access rights for Members of Congress. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for Department of Justice employees who mishandle or falsify records.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +10
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill significantly enhances transparency by limiting the Attorney General's ability to withhold records through common law privileges.
- Scored +5
Would women be better off under this?
The bill facilitates access to records for victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Scored +1
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill provides enhanced legal recourse for victims of criminal conduct.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill increases access to records which may impact the privacy of the individuals involved.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Legal Recourse for States and Victims: State attorneys general, district attorneys, and victims are authorized to bring actions in federal court to obtain relief, including monetary relief and attorney's fees, if the Attorney General of the United States unlawfully withholds or delays records. (Section 2(a)(1), Section 2(b)(3)(A))
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Expedited Legal Proceedings: The court is required to advance on the docket and expedite the disposition of civil actions filed under this Act to the greatest extent practicable. (Section 2(a)(2), Section 2(b)(3)(B))
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Victim Access to Personal Records: Victims have the right to request and receive full, unredacted records, documents, or communications that identify, describe, or relate to them, their parents, siblings, or legal guardians. (Section 2(b)(1))
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Increased Transparency for Congressional Oversight: Members of Congress can request full, unredacted access to described records, and the Attorney General must provide such access within 7 calendar days. (Section 2(e)(1)(A))
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Protection Against Withholding via Privilege: The Attorney General is prohibited from using common law privileges, such as the deliberative process or attorney-client privilege, to withhold or redact described records, except as specifically permitted. (Section 2(b) of the amendment)
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Accountability for Misconduct: Employees of the Department of Justice or FBI who conceal, destroy, or falsify records related to this Act may face fines or imprisonment under specific sections of title 18 of the United States Code. (Section 2(f)(1))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Privacy Risks for Other Victims: While victims can access their own records, the Attorney General may redact portions of those records to protect the personally identifiable information or medical files of other victims to prevent an unwarranted invasion of privacy. (Section 2(b)(2)(A))
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Restrictions on Records Use for Certain Individuals: The definition of a "victim" specifically excludes any individual whose claim arises from their own participation in, solicitation of, or benefit from the criminal conduct involving Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, unless that involvement originated from being trafficked or abused. (Section 2(g)(1)(B))
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Limitations on Public Disclosure of Classified Material: While access to classified records is permitted for specific officials, the act does not authorize the public release of classified information except under specific conditions. (Section 2(d)(5))
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 significantly enhances transparency by limiting the Attorney General's ability to withhold records through common law privileges. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill increases access to records which may impact the privacy of the individuals involved.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would women be better off under this? — The bill facilitates access to records for victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill provides enhanced legal recourse for victims of criminal conduct.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill introduces penalties for Department of Justice employees who mishandle or falsify records. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill allows victims to seek monetary relief for harm experienced. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill provides mechanisms for transparency and legal recourse that can impact all demographic groups seeking justice.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill establishes more rigorous handling and oversight of investigative records.
- 7/15/2026
- 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.
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico