Legal Services

Law firms and legal service providers. Court procedure, fee rules, immigration and benefits representation, and litigation reform change the practice.

Measures whose provisions reach this industry directly, verified against the bill text. Measures written for this industry lead the list, then measures that plainly change how it operates; within each, the likeliest to become law come first. Measures that have become law or failed are removed. Measures written to all of Professional Services are included and marked Sector-wide.

Measures that reach Legal Services directly

HR 10335 US House Last action
September 10, 2026 BenefitLong shot

Restoring Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Act of 2026

Glenn Grothman (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would add a definition to the federal civil rights attorney's fees law spelling out when a party counts as prevailing, including when it wins through a court order such as a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order that materially changes the parties' relationship even if later vacated on mootness grounds, through an enforceable written agreement or consent decree, or through a voluntary change by the defendant that moots the case or grants the relief sought. It would take effect on enactment and apply to cases pending on that date as well as cases filed afterward. This bill lets civil rights law firms and attorneys collect court-ordered fees in more cases, since plaintiffs count as prevailing when they win through preliminary orders, consent agreements, or voluntary changes that moot the case, while defendants in such suits face greater fee liability.
Where it stands: HR10335 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on September 10, 2026, and the committee took the bill up at a business meeting on September 16, 2026, but the record shows no vote at a markup ordering the bill reported, so it remains at the committee stage.

S 5324 US Senate Last action
August 6, 2026 BenefitLong shot

Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026

Adam B. Schiff (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal would guarantee government-funded legal representation for individuals facing immigration removal proceedings who cannot afford their own lawyers, covering cases from initial detention through appellate courts. It would also create an independent Office of Immigration Representation to manage these legal services, set attorney pay standards, and ensure funding levels match a specific ratio of federal immigration enforcement budgets. This bill requires the new Office of Immigration Representation to pay private law firms and attorneys serving detained immigrants at set hourly rates and reimburses their expenses, while funding nonprofit Community Defender Organizations, creating a guaranteed government-paid market for immigration defense work.
Where it stands: S. 5324 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on August 6, 2026 and remains pending before that committee.

S 5238 US Senate Last action
August 4, 2026 MixedLong shot

For Our Republic Act

Jeff Merkley (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal would create an independent immigration court system and establish strict standards for the care of noncitizen children in federal custody. It also imposes new ethics rules on government officials and restricts the use of biometric surveillance and political retaliation against media organizations. This bill requires the government to fund and appoint counsel for unaccompanied noncitizen children, protects legal services providers from retaliation, and imposes new practice standards, disciplinary proceedings, and filing fees on attorneys appearing before the new immigration courts.
Where it stands: S5238 is in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, having been read twice and referred there on August 4, 2026. The measure awaits committee action, where the chair controls the scheduling of a hearing or markup.

S 5148 US Senate Last action
July 28, 2026 BurdenLong shot

BOASBERG Act

Eric Schmitt (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill requires federal district and circuit courts to implement rules for randomly assigning civil cases to judges and panels, prohibiting parties or attorneys from influencing these selections. It also mandates that cases be reassigned to a different judge if the Supreme Court vacates or reverses a prior ruling in that case. This bill subjects lawyers and law firms to sanctions, including potential case dismissal or disciplinary action, for attempting to manipulate the new randomized federal case assignment system that eliminates judge shopping.
Where it stands: The BOASBERG Act was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on July 28, 2026, placing it in its ordinary initial stage awaiting committee action. The measure retains the potential to move forward via unanimous consent or other procedural mechanisms despite the referral.

HR 9803 US House Last action
July 21, 2026 MixedLong shot

Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026

Bill Foster (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal establishes federal criminal penalties for individuals who fraudulently provide immigration services or falsely claim to be attorneys, and it creates a grant program to fund nonprofit legal aid for immigrants. The measure also requires applicants to disclose paid preparers of their immigration filings and allows victims of such fraud to withdraw and resubmit applications without penalty. This bill criminalizes and imposes fines, prison terms, and reimbursement duties on fake attorneys and fraudulent immigration service providers, requires paid preparers to sign forms with identifying information, and funds nonprofit legal aid grants for immigrant legal services.
Where it stands: HR 9803 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on July 21, 2026, where the committee chair controls whether a hearing or markup is scheduled. No upcoming meetings are currently listed in the calendar data.

HR 9715 US House Last action
July 15, 2026 BenefitLong shot

Intelligent Arbitration Act of 2026

David Schweikert (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill allows parties in arbitrations to use non-generative artificial intelligence for legal research, document organization, filing, and decision-making, provided all parties give written consent and use the technology themselves. It also prohibits parties from challenging an arbitration award solely because of errors caused by the artificial intelligence tool. This bill lets law firms and other parties in arbitration use non-generative artificial intelligence for legal research, document organization, filing, and decisions when all parties consent in writing, while barring challenges to awards based on AI errors.
Where it stands: The bill was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on July 15, 2026. It is currently in the initial committee stage with no upcoming meetings scheduled.

HR 9536 US House Last action
June 30, 2026 BurdenLong shot

FEES Act of 2026

Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill caps attorney fee awards at $200,000 per case and limits eligibility to parties with direct personal monetary interests, while banning fee payments in federal settlement agreements that result in regulations or guidance documents. It also requires the Interior Secretary to convene a scientific panel to assess the law's impact on federal lands five years after enactment. This bill directly cuts revenue for law firms and legal service providers by capping attorney fee awards at $200,000, limiting eligibility to parties with direct personal monetary interests, and banning fee payments in federal settlements that produce regulations.
Where it stands: The FEES Act of 2026 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 30, 2026. No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the available data.

HR 9295 US House Last action
June 11, 2026 BurdenLong shot

Stop Serial Litigation Act of 2026

Michael A. Rulli (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would cap the attorney fees and expenses the federal government must pay to private parties who prevail against federal agencies, setting a $300,000 per-year ceiling on awards in both agency proceedings and court cases (with exemptions for the Veterans Administration and Social Security Administration), and capping hourly attorney or agent fees at $125 for cases involving the VA or Social Security and $175 for cases involving other agencies, with inflation adjustments after five years. It would also cap expert witness pay at the highest rate the government itself pays experts, cut the hourly fee in half for the portion of a case litigating whether the government's position was justified, and require itemized fee claims listing dates, time spent, and a description of each task performed. This bill caps attorney and agent fees at $175 per hour and total annual fee recoveries at $300,000 in most federal agency cases, lowering revenue for law firms and legal service providers representing private parties, with exemptions for VA and SSA cases.
Where it stands: HR 9295 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 11, 2026, and no further action is recorded. It now sits at the committee stage, where the Judiciary chair decides whether it goes to subcommittee, stays at full committee, or receives no attention at all.

HR 9105 US House Last action
June 23, 2026 BurdenLong shot

SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026

Chris Pappas (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill reinstates criminal penalties for charging veterans unauthorized fees for VA benefit claims, barring violators from representation for one year for a first offense and ten years for subsequent offenses. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain an online searchable list of accredited representatives, mandate warnings on claim forms and websites about unauthorized fees, and prohibit automated telephone calls to federal agency numbers made by third parties. This bill exposes legal services providers who help with VA benefit claims to criminal fines and prison for charging unauthorized fees, bars violators from representing veterans for one to ten years, and restricts unaccredited competitors and automated calls.
Where it stands: HR 9105 is active in the committee stage, having been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on June 2, 2026, and subsequently referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on June 23, 2026.

S 4667 US Senate Last action
June 2, 2026 MixedLong shot

Open Courts Act of 2026

John Kennedy (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would require the federal judiciary to build a single, free online system for searching and retrieving federal court records, with bulk access, application programming interfaces, machine-readable citations, and alerts, replacing paid access through the existing Public Access to Court Electronic Records service within 5 years (or 6 if the Administrative Office certifies more time is needed). To pay for it, the bill would charge surcharges on non-government users who accrue $25,000 or more in access fees in a quarter or use bulk access, charge federal agencies an annual fee equal to their prior PACER spending, and, if that revenue falls short, allow new graduated filing fees that exempt filers earning under $250,000 a year, while bars any fees for using the new system itself. This bill gives law firms and legal service providers free access to the new centralized federal court records system while charging additional fees to those whose quarterly access costs reach $25,000 or who use bulk access.
Where it stands: The Open Courts Act of 2026 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on June 2, 2026, and no committee meetings are scheduled. The committee is under no obligation to act, and most referred bills go no further.

S 4646 US Senate Last action
June 1, 2026 BurdenLong shot

SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026

Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would reinstate criminal penalties, including fines and up to one year in prison, for anyone who charges veterans unauthorized fees to help prepare, present, or prosecute claims for benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and would bar violators from representing claimants before the Department for one year after a first violation and ten years after each repeat violation. It would also require the VA to tell claimants about available accredited representation, maintain a searchable online list of accredited, suspended, and excluded representatives, add warnings on its claim websites about fees and sharing account log-in credentials, ask on claim forms whether a claimant paid someone for assistance or coaching, build an accreditation system with 99.9 percent uptime, initiate a rulemaking on the new penalties within 90 days, and amend federal law to ban automated robocalls made to federal agency phone numbers. This bill restricts law firms and legal service providers by criminalizing fees for veterans benefit claims unless the attorney or agent is accredited, and directs the VA to bar unaccredited representatives from being recognized.
Where it stands: S4646 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on June 1, 2026, and no further action is recorded. The bill is now in committee, where the chair decides whether anything happens at all, as committees are not required to act on referred bills.

HR 9069 US House Last action
May 29, 2026 BenefitLong shot

KIDS Act

Joe Neguse (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would bar the Department of Homeland Security from detaining children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, or their primary caregivers, and would prohibit immigration enforcement actions at defined sensitive locations, including schools, hospitals, places of worship, courthouses, shelters, and anywhere within 1,000 feet of them, unless agents hold a court-issued criminal warrant. It would also require prompt release of anyone detained in violation of the rules, bar information gathered through such enforcement from being used in removal proceedings, and require detentions allowed under a warrant exception to be reported to Congress within 24 hours. This bill directly helps immigration lawyers and legal service providers by designating the office of a person's legal counsel as a sensitive location, barring immigration enforcement actions there and making law offices safer for clients.
Where it stands: HR 9069, the KIDS Act, was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on May 29, 2026 and has had no further action since; it sits at the referred stage, and no hearing or markup is scheduled in our calendar data.

S 3180 US Senate Last action
November 18, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act of 2025

John Kennedy (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This act prohibits foreign states and sovereign wealth funds from financing litigation in US federal courts and requires parties to disclose any foreign third-party funding sources to the court and the Attorney General. It also mandates annual reports from the Attorney General detailing the identities of foreign funders and the amounts of money involved in federal civil cases. This bill directly regulates law firms by making counsel of record disclose foreign litigation funders to the court and Attorney General, and by barring them from agreements financed by foreign states or sovereign wealth funds.
Where it stands: S3180 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on November 18, 2025. The bill is currently stalled in committee with no scheduled meetings, while its companion HR2675 was placed on the Union Calendar on June 15, 2026.

S 4142 US Senate Last action
March 19, 2026 BenefitLong shot

SHIELD Act

Edward J. Markey (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill authorizes the Attorney General to award competitive grants to states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to train staff and build infrastructure for providing legal representation to individuals facing immigration removal. It authorizes $100,000,000 in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2027 to fund these workforce development and capacity-building activities. This bill funds nonprofit legal aid organizations and other legal services providers with federal grants to hire and train lawyers who represent individuals facing immigration removal, expanding their capacity to provide legal representation.
Where it stands: The SHIELD Act was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary on March 19, 2026. No meetings are currently scheduled for this measure.

HR 7836 US House Last action
March 5, 2026 MixedLong shot

Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026

Zoe Lofgren (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal would establish an independent United States Immigration Courts system, consisting of appellate, trial, and administrative divisions, to handle immigration adjudications currently managed by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The new court structure would include 21 Senate-confirmed appellate judges and appointed trial judges, operating with its own budget and rules separate from the executive branch. This bill directly affects immigration attorneys and legal services providers by imposing new standards of practice and disciplinary proceedings on all practitioners appearing before the new Immigration Courts, while also creating agreements with legal services and nonprofit organizations to run a legal orientation program.
Where it stands: HR7836 was referred on March 5, 2026, to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on the Budget, with the Speaker to determine the consideration period for each. No floor action or reporting has occurred, and the chairs of both committees currently control whether any hearings or markups are scheduled.

S 3865 US Senate Last action
February 12, 2026 BenefitLong shot

BE HEARD in the Workplace Act

Patty Murray (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal would strengthen federal workplace anti-discrimination law by requiring employers to adopt anti-harassment policies and training, defining and setting proof standards for harassment, lengthening filing deadlines, and extending protections to contractors, interns, volunteers, and other non-employees. It would also ban most forced arbitration and harassment-related nondisclosure clauses in employment contracts, expand damages, phase out the lower tipped minimum wage, and send federal funding to states and nonprofits that help workers pursue discrimination claims. This bill would send federal grant money to licensed attorneys and nonprofit legal aid organizations to cover the civil legal needs of workers pursuing discrimination claims, while new workplace rights would likely increase demand for their services.
Where it stands: S3865 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on February 12, 2026 and now sits at the committee stage, where most Senate bills end; no hearing or markup is scheduled, though committee action is the ordinary route rather than the only possible path.

HR 7491 US House Last action
February 11, 2026 BenefitLong shot

Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

Madeleine Dean (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This act requires the Attorney General to establish a system within 180 days that excludes privileged electronic communications between incarcerated persons and their attorneys from monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons. It further restricts government access to retained communication contents by mandating judicial warrants and prohibiting prosecutors who review privileged data from participating in related legal proceedings. This bill shields attorneys and their agents, such as law clerks and investigators, by applying attorney-client privilege to electronic communications with incarcerated clients and barring prosecutors who review those communications from related cases.
Where it stands: HR7491 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on February 11, 2026, placing the measure in the committee stage where the chair controls the scheduling of hearings and markups.

HR 6728 US House Last action
December 15, 2025 BenefitLong shot

Linking Seniors to Needed Legal Services Act of 2025

Eugene Simon Vindman (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would appropriate $125 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2029 for grants to states that establish medical-legal partnerships and legal hotlines for vulnerable elders. It requires states to report biannually on referral metrics and mandates a report to Congress every four years on these activities. This bill gives law firms and legal aid organizations direct federal funding by supporting $125 million in annual grants to states for medical-legal partnerships and legal hotlines serving vulnerable elders through fiscal year 2029.
Where it stands: HR 6728 was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means on December 15, 2025, and currently remains in committee with no scheduled meetings. The committee chair controls whether a hearing or markup occurs, as no further action has been recorded.

HR 6678 US House Last action
December 11, 2025 BenefitLong shot

Senior Legal Hotline Act of 2025

Derek Tran (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal would authorize the Assistant Secretary to award competitive grants to nonprofit organizations or partnerships to establish or operate statewide senior legal hotlines that provide free civil legal advice to older individuals. The measure authorizes $10 million in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 to support these hotlines, which must secure a 25 percent non-federal match. This bill funds nonprofit legal aid organizations with federal grants to run free statewide senior legal hotlines and routes referrals for representation to private attorneys, including those offering pro bono services.
Where it stands: HR 6678 was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on December 11, 2025, placing it in a blocked posture where the committee chair controls whether a markup occurs. Leadership retains the ability to bypass committee action through suspension or a special rule.

S 3285 US Senate Last action
December 1, 2025 BenefitLong shot

ADOPT Act of 2025

Amy Klobuchar (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would make it a federal crime for unlicensed individuals or organizations to act as intermediaries in private domestic interstate adoptions, place paid adoption advertisements, or provide unauthorized payments to placing parents. Violations would be punishable by fines up to $100,000 for organizations and imprisonment for up to five years for individuals, while exempting licensed agencies, attorneys, and accredited intercountry adoption providers. This bill criminalizes unlicensed adoption intermediaries and paid adoption ads while exempting attorneys licensed in the state where services are provided, protecting law firms from competition in private interstate adoptions.
Where it stands: The ADOPT Act of 2025 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on December 1, 2025. The companion measure HR 6170 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on November 20, 2025, and has not passed either chamber.

HR 6072 US House Last action
November 17, 2025 BurdenLong shot

No Aid for Illegal Entry Act

Beth Van Duyne (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This act would block federal funding for non-governmental organizations that provide immigration legal services, housing, or transportation to individuals who entered the United States illegally, unless the recipient is a minor under age 18. It also would prohibit the Department of the Interior from managing or contracting for migrant resettlement, immigration enforcement, or related legal representation services. This bill bars federal funding for non-governmental organizations that provide legal services in immigration proceedings to people who entered illegally, cutting off revenue for immigration legal aid providers except when serving minors.
Where it stands: The bill was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on November 17, 2025, where the committee chair controls whether a hearing or markup occurs.

HR 5477 US House Last action
September 18, 2025 BenefitLong shot

Litigation Reimbursement Act

Richard McCormick (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would require courts to award attorney fees and litigation costs to defendants in criminal cases that go to trial and end in a verdict that is not a conviction. It would also mandate that courts award costs and fees to prevailing parties in civil cases against the government. This bill benefits law firms by requiring courts to automatically award reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs to prevailing parties in criminal cases ending without conviction and in civil cases against the government, guaranteeing payment.
Where it stands: HR 5477 is currently stalled in the House Committee on the Judiciary following its referral on September 18, 2025. No upcoming meetings are scheduled for this measure, leaving the committee chair to determine if a hearing or markup will occur.

HR 5258 US House Last action
September 10, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2025

Mike Collins (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would make monetary sanctions mandatory for attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits by changing the federal rule from allowing discretion to requiring payment of the opposing party's legal fees and costs. It also expands the types of penalties courts can impose, including striking pleadings, dismissing cases, or ordering payments into the court for deterrence. This bill directly affects law firms and attorneys by requiring courts to impose mandatory monetary sanctions, including paying the opposing party's reasonable fees and costs, on lawyers who file frivolous federal lawsuits.
Where it stands: HR 5258 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on September 10, 2025, and remains in the initial committee stage with no scheduled hearings or markups.

HR 3132 US House Last action
May 6, 2025 BurdenLong shot

CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025

Jack Bergman (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill allows attorneys and agents to charge contingent fees for assisting veterans with initial and supplemental VA claims, capping these fees at $12,500 or five months of benefit increases. It also establishes penalties for unauthorized fees, mandates transparency notices for claimants, and extends existing pension payment limits to April 30, 2032. This bill lets attorneys and accredited agents charge capped contingent fees, at most $12,500 or five months of benefit increases, for helping veterans with initial and supplemental VA claims, while requiring fee agreement filings, a $500 recognition assessment, audits, payment plan options, and criminal penalties for unauthorized fees.
Where it stands: The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs voted to report the bill on May 6, 2025, following its referral on May 1, 2025. Although the committee has ordered the measure reported, no written report has been filed and the bill has not been placed on a calendar.

S 2190 US Senate Last action
June 26, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Fair Calculations in Civil Damages Act of 2025

Cory A. Booker (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This act would prohibit federal courts from calculating a plaintiff's future earning potential in civil damages awards using their race, ethnicity, sex, or sexual orientation. It would also require the Department of Labor and the Department of Justice to issue guidance within 180 days for creating unbiased earnings tables and for state tort proceedings. This bill directly changes how attorneys in federal civil litigation calculate damages, barring courts from using race, ethnicity, sex, or sexual orientation in projecting a plaintiff's future earnings and requiring new unbiased earnings guidance.
Where it stands: S2190 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on June 26, 2025, with no subsequent committee action recorded. The bill remains in committee, where the chair controls whether to schedule a hearing or markup.

HR 4145 US House Last action
June 25, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2025

Gregory F. Murphy (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill revises legal standards for Camp Lejeune water contamination claims by allowing plaintiffs to prove causation through general scientific evidence and permitting them to file suit in multiple federal districts in North Carolina and South Carolina. It also caps attorney fees at 20 percent for pre-suit settlements and 25 percent for cases filed in court. This bill caps attorney fees at 20 percent of pre-suit settlements and 25 percent of court judgments for law firms representing Camp Lejeune water contamination claimants, limiting their earnings on those cases.
Where it stands: HR 4145 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 25, 2025, with no calendar placement recorded. The bill remains in the committee stage, where the chair determines whether to schedule a hearing or markup.

HR 3815 US House Last action
June 6, 2025 BenefitLong shot

True Justice Act of 2025

Summer L. Lee (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill authorizes the Attorney General to award up to $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to states, local governments, public defender offices, and non-profit organizations for legal representation and attorney training in post-arrest judicial proceedings. The funding supports services such as initial appearances and requires applicants to submit proposals, with grant amounts determined by factors including technology costs and the relative size of the justice system. This bill funds public defender offices, government legal aid providers, and nonprofit organizations that train public defenders, court-appointed attorneys, and contract attorneys, bringing up to $50 million in new federal grants annually to the legal services industry.
Where it stands: The True Justice Act of 2025 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 6, 2025, and no future meetings are scheduled. The committee chair controls whether a hearing or markup occurs, though leadership may pursue floor action via suspension or a special rule.

HR 3513 US House Last action
May 20, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025

Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This act mandates that the Supreme Court and Judicial Conference establish codes of conduct and creates a new process for investigating and disciplining Supreme Court justices and other federal judges. It also imposes strict financial disclosure requirements on justices regarding gifts and income and requires parties and amici curiae to reveal funding sources and lobbying contacts in court filings. This bill requires law firms representing parties or amici in Supreme Court cases to disclose in petitions and briefs the gifts their lawyers or firms provided, adding new filing obligations for legal practitioners.
Where it stands: HR 3513 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on May 20, 2025, and no further action has occurred. The bill remains in committee, where the chair controls whether a hearing or markup is scheduled.

S 1814 US Senate Last action
May 20, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025

Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill requires the Supreme Court and Judicial Conference to issue codes of conduct and establishes a process for investigating complaints against judges, including new disqualification rules based on lobbying or financial ties. It also mandates public disclosure of gifts, income, and amicus brief funding sources for justices and parties involved in federal court cases. This bill requires law firms and other parties or amici in Supreme Court cases to disclose in their briefs any gifts, income, reimbursements, or lobbying contacts involving justices, adding new reporting duties and compliance work.
Where it stands: S1814 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on May 20, 2025, placing it in the committee stage where the chair controls whether it receives a hearing or markup. This referral means the bill is currently pending before the committee, which is the primary choke point where most measures stall or die without ever reaching the floor.

HR 3213 US House Last action
May 6, 2025 BenefitLong shot

Restoring Court Authority Over Litigation Act of 2025

Scott Fitzgerald (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill prohibits federal agencies from regulating attorneys or law firms for actions taken during litigation and blocks private lawsuits against opposing counsel for such activities. It also amends existing consumer protection laws to explicitly exclude litigation-based debt collection from federal regulatory oversight. This bill protects attorneys and law firms by stripping federal agencies of authority to regulate their litigation activities, barring private lawsuits against them for litigation misconduct, and exempting their debt collection litigation from consumer protection oversight.
Where it stands: HR 3213 is stalled in committee after being referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Financial Services on May 6, 2025. The Financial Services Committee held a hearing on July 15, 2025, but neither committee has yet reported the measure.

S 1561 US Senate Last action
May 1, 2025 MixedLong shot

SECURE Notarization Act of 2025

Kevin Cramer (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal would authorize notaries to perform electronic and remote notarizations for interstate commerce while establishing federal standards for identity verification and record retention. It would also require federal courts and states to recognize valid notarizations performed by officers in other jurisdictions. This bill lets notaries public perform remote electronic notarizations with required identity checks, audio-visual recordings, and record retention, while barring misleading notario advertising and requiring federal and state courts to recognize notarizations from other jurisdictions.
Where it stands: S. 1561 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on May 1, 2025, where it remains stalled with no scheduled hearings or markups. The companion measure HR 1777 is similarly pending in House committees and has not been reported.

HR 3127 US House Last action
April 30, 2025 BenefitLong shot

Fairness to Freedom Act of 2025

Norma J. Torres (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would guarantee government-funded legal representation for individuals who cannot afford it during immigration removal proceedings and establish a new independent Office of Immigration Representation to administer these services. It would require funding levels for this office to be tied to a calculated ratio of appropriations for federal immigration enforcement agencies. This bill creates government-funded legal representation for people in immigration removal proceedings, giving law firms, private attorneys, and nonprofit legal aid organizations paid appointments at government-set rates plus annual reporting duties.
Where it stands: HR 3127 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on April 30, 2025, where it remains pending with no scheduled meetings. The bill has not yet received a hearing or markup, and its prior version HR 2697 also failed to advance beyond committee referral.

HR 3101 US House Last action
April 30, 2025 MixedLong shot

SHIELD Act

Robert Garcia (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund competitive grants for developing the legal workforce and infrastructure needed to represent individuals facing deportation. The Attorney General would award these grants to states, local governments, and nonprofits to recruit and train lawyers, social workers, and other staff who provide immigration legal services. This bill awards $100 million in annual grants to nonprofits and schools providing immigration legal services, giving legal aid providers new funding while requiring yearly reports and adding competition for private immigration law firms.
Where it stands: The SHIELD Act is currently referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, where the committee chair controls whether any hearing or markup will occur. This referral places the bill in the committee stage, which is a common point of quiet death for House legislation.

S 1297 US Senate Last action
April 3, 2025 BenefitLong shot

Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025

Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would require the government to pay for legal counsel for unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings and mandate that noncitizens receive a copy of their immigration file at least 10 days before a removal proceeding can proceed. It also authorizes necessary funding to the Office of Refugee Resettlement to implement these legal representation and document access requirements. This bill creates a government-funded market for law firms and legal service providers by requiring HHS to pay for appointed counsel for unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings, with funding authorized to implement that representation.
Where it stands: S1297 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on April 3, 2025. It currently sits in committee where the chair controls whether any action is taken.

S 1102 US Senate Last action
March 25, 2025 MixedLong shot

Quality Defense Act of 2025

Cory A. Booker (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill authorizes $250 million annually for five years in grants to help states and localities hire public defenders and increase their pay to match prosecutors, alongside $5 million annually for training programs. It also requires grant recipients to collect detailed data on attorney caseloads and client demographics, and mandates federal studies to establish best practices for public defense workload limits and compensation. This bill funds public defender offices and the private attorneys who serve as court-appointed panel counsel with grants to raise their pay to match prosecutors, while requiring recipients to report detailed data on panel attorneys' caseloads and hours.
Where it stands: S1102 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on March 25, 2025. No future meetings are currently scheduled in the calendar data.

HR 1656 US House Last action
March 3, 2025 MixedLong shot

PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025

Jack Bergman (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This legislation would permit attorneys and agents to charge veterans fees for initial VA benefit claims, capped at $12,500 or five times the monthly benefit increase, whichever is less. It would also establish penalties for unauthorized fee collection and create a conditional recognition process for representatives who fail to meet verification standards within 90 days. This bill allows attorneys and agents to charge veterans capped fees for initial VA benefit claims for the first time, while imposing fines and imprisonment for unauthorized fee collection and adding registration assessments and data-handling duties.
Where it stands: HR 1656 is stalled in the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs following a hearing on March 5, 2025. The subcommittee chair has not yet scheduled a markup, leaving the measure in a state of inaction.

HJRES 22 US House Last action
January 16, 2025 BenefitLong shot

Disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers".

Sector-wide

Jodey C. Arrington (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This resolution declares that a Department of Homeland Security rule regarding H-1B and F-1 visa programs has no force or effect. It formally disapproves of the specific regulatory changes submitted by the agency.
Where it stands: The joint resolution was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on January 16, 2025, and is currently stalled with no scheduled meetings.

HR 5349 US House Last action
September 30, 2026 BenefitGood chance of law

TAS Act

Nathaniel Moran (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would overhaul how taxpayers interact with the IRS by expanding customer service tools like online accounts and wait time dashboards, strengthening taxpayer appeal and court review rights in tax disputes, and adding protections for people facing collection or hardship. It would also impose a new federal licensing and penalty regime on tax return preparers, tighten penalties for mishandling taxpayer information, and create an IRS liaison to promote employer-provided child care benefits. This bill helps lawyers who represent taxpayers in Tax Court by expanding subpoena power for discovery, letting special trial judges hear more cases, and allowing filing deadline extensions that avoid procedural dismissals.
Where it stands: The House passed H.R. 5349 on December 1, 2025 under suspension of the rules by voice vote, and the Senate passed it on September 30, 2026 by unanimous consent with an amendment and an amendment to the title. Because the Senate amended the bill, the chambers now hold different versions, and the measure returns to the House, which may concur in the Senate amendments, amend them further, or disagree and seek a conference; it has not cleared Congress.

S 4917 US Senate Last action
June 24, 2026 BurdenLong shot

Monitor Accountability Act

Sector-wide

John Kennedy (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This act requires the Judicial Conference to create rules limiting court-appointed monitors to five-year terms, capping their fees, and mandating public notice before appointments. It also forces annual public accounting of monitor services and transfers cases to a new judge if a monitorship lasts six years.
Where it stands: S4917 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on June 24, 2026, where it awaits committee action.

S 5441 US Senate Last action
September 17, 2026 BenefitLong shot

TAS Act

Mike Crapo (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would overhaul how the Internal Revenue Service serves taxpayers by digitizing paper returns and correspondence, publishing real-time online dashboards of wait times and backlogs, expanding online taxpayer accounts, and easing fees, notices, and appeal rights for low-income taxpayers, taxpayers abroad, hostages, and whistleblowers. It would also tighten oversight of paid tax return preparers through background checks, education and suitability standards, higher penalties, and new felony rules, strengthen the National Taxpayer Advocate and Tax Court review of credit bans and refund suits, create an IRS Business Child Care Liaison to promote employer-provided child care benefits, and raise criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure or misuse of taxpayer data. This bill benefits attorneys and tax representatives by letting authorized practitioners access taxpayer information through an IRS portal, funds low-income taxpayer clinics that must provide matching grants, and changes how attorney fees are deducted in tax whistleblower award cases.
Where it stands: The Senate Committee on Finance ordered the TAS Act reported at its markup as an original measure on September 17, 2026, filed a written report the same day, and the bill now sits on the Senate Calendar of Business under General Orders as Calendar No. 670, awaiting floor consideration with no further Senate committee action scheduled.

HR 8365 US House Last action
May 18, 2026 BurdenLong shot

Monitor Accountability Act

Andy Biggs (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would require the Judicial Conference to set maximum fee rates and term limits for court-appointed monitors who oversee state and local governments. It also would mandate public notice before appointments, annual public reporting of fees, and the transfer of cases to a new judge after six years. This bill directly affects law firms and attorneys who serve as court-appointed monitors by capping their fees, limiting their terms to five years, banning simultaneous monitorships, and requiring annual public accounting of their fees.
Where it stands: The Monitor Accountability Act passed the House on May 14, 2026, and was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary on May 18, 2026.

S 3966 US Senate Last action
May 20, 2026 BurdenLong shot

TREY'S Law

Ted Cruz (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would make nondisclosure and confidentiality clauses in contracts void and unenforceable when they prohibit victims of child sexual abuse, or people supporting them, from disclosing the abuse or related facts, including clauses in agreements signed before the law takes effect. It preempts state laws that allow such clauses to be enforced, while leaving parties free to keep other settlement terms, such as payment amounts, confidential. This bill voids nondisclosure clauses in settlements over sexual abuse of minors, so law firms can no longer draft or enforce such confidentiality agreements and face greater liability exposure.
Where it stands: S3966 passed the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent on May 20, 2026 and was held at the desk, so the bill is now pending in the House, awaiting that chamber's action. Its House companion, HR8571, has not been reported and has not passed a chamber; its latest action was referral to the House Committee on the Judiciary on April 29, 2026.

S 5097 US Senate Last action
July 23, 2026 BurdenLong shot

End H–1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026

Sector-wide

Tim Sheehy (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would suspend the issuance of H-1B visas for three years and, upon resumption, impose a $100,000 fee per petition, raise the minimum wage to $200,000, and limit annual visas to 25,000. It would also eliminate the H-1B lottery in favor of a wage-based ranking, ban third-party staffing sponsors, prohibit federal employment of nonimmigrants, and end employment authorization for foreign students and adjustment of status for most nonimmigrants.
Where it stands: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary on July 23, 2026, placing it in the committee stage where the chair controls scheduling for a markup.

HR 9157 US House Last action
June 4, 2026 BurdenLong shot

American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act of 2026

Sector-wide

Chip Roy (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would sharply restrict the H-1B skilled-visa program by capping stays at 2 calendar years, keeping the annual cap at 65,000 visas, giving visa priority to petitions with the highest salaries, limiting any single country to 7 percent of the visas, and requiring employers to first post and offer each job to equally or better qualified United States workers, pay the higher of the actual wage or the 75th percentile wage for the occupation and location, keep nonimmigrants at no more than 5 percent of their United States workforce, and forgo hiring whenever local unemployment in the occupation exceeds 2 percent. It would back these rules with Labor Department enforcement including fines of up to $100,000 per violation, H-1B employment bans of up to 10 years, and a new federal court claim for United States workers who are displaced by visa holders.
Where it stands: HR 9157 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 4, 2026 and has had no further action since. It sits at the earliest committee stage, where the chair decides whether a hearing or a markup is ever noticed.

HR 8184 US House Last action
April 2, 2026 BurdenLong shot

Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act

Sector-wide

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would expand the prohibition on price discrimination under the Clayton Act to cover services and activities affecting commerce, while removing the defense that sellers may offer lower prices to meet a competitor's price. It also establishes a legal presumption that victims of price discrimination have suffered damages equal to the amount of the discrimination and allows them to claim additional damages.
Where it stands: HR8184 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on April 2, 2026, where the committee chair controls whether further action occurs. The companion bill S4147 remains in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, having been referred on March 19, 2026.

HR 6882 US House Last action
December 18, 2025 BenefitLong shot

SAFE Services Act

Sector-wide

Cory Mills (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to revise acquisition rules to give a procurement preference to United States companies for professional services contracts. This preference applies unless the Secretary waives it due to urgent operational needs or a lack of capable American firms.
Where it stands: The SAFE Services Act was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services on December 18, 2025. No hearings or markups are currently scheduled.

HR 6305 US House Last action
November 25, 2025 BenefitLong shot

High-skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act

Sector-wide

Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would raise the annual H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 130,000 and remove the 20,000 annual limit on visas for applicants with advanced degrees. It also authorizes $25 million per year for five years in competitive grants to states for STEM education and teacher retention.
Where it stands: HR6305 was referred on November 25, 2025, to the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on the Judiciary. This multiple referral leaves both chairs as gatekeepers because the source does not designate a primary committee.

HR 3417 US House Last action
May 14, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025

Sector-wide

Pete Sessions (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill establishes federal standards requiring employers, public entities, and public accommodations to ensure their websites and applications are accessible to individuals with disabilities, while authorizing $35.15 million annually for enforcement and small business grants. It creates civil liability for non-compliance and mandates that the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issue specific accessibility regulations.
Where it stands: HR3417 is stalled following its May 14, 2025 referral to the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the House Committee on the Judiciary. The bill currently awaits action from these committees, where the chairs control whether any hearings or markups are scheduled.

HR 1354 US House Last action
February 13, 2025 BurdenLong shot

Justice for All Act of 2025

Sector-wide

Rashida Tlaib (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This bill would allow individuals to sue federally funded entities for policies that have a discriminatory effect, even without proof of intent, while expanding protected classes to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income in housing and public accommodations. It would also eliminate the use of mandatory arbitration for employment, consumer, and civil rights disputes and remove qualified immunity as a defense for government officials sued under federal civil rights laws.
Where it stands: HR1354 was referred on February 13, 2025, to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Education and Workforce, with no primary panel designated. The chairs of both committees control whether the bill receives a hearing or a markup.

May also reach

Measures that reach Legal Services indirectly

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HR 7730 US House Last action
October 14, 2026 May reachGood chance of law

Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act

Ben Cline (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would raise the debt ceiling for small businesses seeking streamlined federal bankruptcy reorganization to $7.5 million and would raise the debt ceiling for individuals and married couples seeking the wage-earner chapter 13 bankruptcy option to $2.75 million, making businesses and consumers above the current limits eligible to file under those chapters for cases commenced on or after enactment. This bill expands eligibility for streamlined small business bankruptcy and larger chapter 13 cases, giving law firms handling bankruptcy more debtors who qualify for their services, while excluding single asset real estate owners.
Where it stands: HR7730 has cleared both chambers in identical form: the House passed it under suspension of the rules by voice vote on September 16, 2026, and the Senate passed the House text without amendment by Unanimous Consent on September 28, 2026. The bill is no longer pending before the House Committee on the Judiciary or either chamber's floor; what remains is enrollment, signature by the Speaker and the Senate's presiding officer, and presentment to the President, none of which the record shows yet.

HR 9095 US House Last action
June 2, 2026 May reachLong shot

Right to Trial Act

H. Morgan Griffith (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would amend federal sentencing law to require judges to consider whether a longer sentence is being imposed as a penalty for a defendant going to trial instead of accepting a plea offer, and to compare plea deals and sentences given to similarly situated defendants who pled guilty. It would also expressly authorize federal judges to sentence a defendant below the statutory minimum when needed to protect the right to trial. This bill gives federal criminal defense attorneys a stronger tool: judges can impose sentences below mandatory minimums to protect the right to trial and must consider whether harsher sentences punish defendants for rejecting plea offers.
Where it stands: HR 9095, the Right to Trial Act, was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 2, 2026, and no further action is recorded. The bill sits at the committee stage, where the chair decides whether a hearing or markup is ever noticed, though committee action is the ordinary route rather than an absolute prerequisite.

HR 8997 US House Last action
May 21, 2026 May reachLong shot

Right to Representation Act

Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would require states, as a condition of receiving federal foster care, prevention, and permanency payments, to guarantee that every parent or guardian and every child involved in a child abuse or neglect court proceeding, including dependency, adoption, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases, has an attorney providing independent legal representation, with the requirement taking effect October 1, 2026 and a delay allowed for states that need to pass legislation to comply. It would also require the Comptroller General to report to Congress every two years on how the representation requirement is being implemented. This bill guarantees that attorneys are made available to parents and children in child protection proceedings, creating funded demand for family law attorneys and legal aid organizations as states contract for this representation starting October 1, 2026.
Where it stands: HR 8997, the Right to Representation Act, was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 21, 2026 and no further action has been taken; no hearing or markup is scheduled in our calendar data.

HR 8449 US House Last action
April 22, 2026 May reachLong shot

Federal Diversity Jurisdiction Modernization Act of 2026

Laurel M. Lee (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal raises the minimum financial amount required for a civil case to be heard in federal court based on diversity jurisdiction from $75,000 to $500,000. The change applies only to lawsuits filed after the bill is signed into law. This bill raises the federal diversity jurisdiction threshold from $75,000 to $500,000, so law firms handling mid-value civil cases must litigate smaller claims in state courts instead of federal courts, reducing federal litigation business.
Where it stands: HR8449 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on April 22, 2026, where it currently awaits action.

HR 7387 US House Last action
February 5, 2026 May reachLong shot

Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026

Lance Gooden (Republican) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill prohibits government officials from including payments to third parties in federal civil settlements unless those funds provide restitution for specific harm or pay for legal services. It also requires federal agencies to submit annual reports on allowable settlement payments and mandates audits of any agreements that violate these new restrictions. This bill restricts federal civil settlements to payments only to the government or direct victims, while still allowing legal fees, so law firms representing businesses in federal settlements can keep collecting court-connected legal services payments but third-party advocacy funding via settlements ends.
Where it stands: HR 7387 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on February 5, 2026, and has no scheduled meetings in the current calendar data. The companion measure S 4978 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on July 14, 2026.

HR 7171 US House Last action
January 21, 2026 May reachLong shot

Fair Legal Access Grants Act

Judy Chu (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2028 through 2034 for grants to states, local governments, and tribal governments to provide legal counsel and resources to individuals seeking extreme risk protection orders. It also prohibits federal courts from hearing claims related to these petitions unless the petitioner filed a false or intentionally harassing request. This bill funds state, local, and tribal government grants that pay for legal counsel for petitioners seeking extreme risk protection orders, creating funded work for law firms and legal aid organizations serving those clients.
Where it stands: The bill was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on January 21, 2026, where the committee chair controls whether a hearing or markup occurs.

HR 6349 US House Last action
December 2, 2025 May reachLong shot

Migrant Due Process Protection Act

Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal requires immigration judges to grant requests from non-custodial migrants to conduct removal proceedings via video or telephone conference. The law mandates that judges ensure these virtual proceedings do not disadvantage the individual. This bill requires immigration judges to grant non-custodial migrants' requests for virtual removal proceedings, letting immigration defense law firms handle those matters by video or phone without traveling to court.
Where it stands: HR 6349 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on December 2, 2025, where the chair controls whether a hearing or markup occurs. This status places the bill in the committee stage, though leadership retains the ability to bypass committee action through floor mechanisms.

HR 4761 US House Last action
July 25, 2025 May reachLong shot

Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025

Summer L. Lee (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill authorizes $100 million annually for five years to establish a fund providing grants to state, local, and tribal governments that guarantee free legal representation for low-income tenants in eviction and subsidy termination cases. It establishes a federal fund to help these jurisdictions pay for the costs of providing attorneys to eligible tenants. This bill funds law firms and legal aid organizations by allowing grant recipients to use federal money to pay attorney costs and train attorneys representing low-income tenants in eviction cases.
Where it stands: HR 4761 is currently referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary as of July 25, 2025, with no upcoming meetings scheduled in the available data. The companion bill S 2463 remains in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs without a committee report.

S 2463 US Senate Last action
July 24, 2025 May reachLong shot

Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025

Cory A. Booker (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would authorize $100 million in annual grants from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to state, local, and tribal governments that provide free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction or subsidy termination. It would prioritize funding for jurisdictions that also limit eviction causes, require 30-day notice periods, or establish eviction diversion programs. This bill creates funded work for law firms and attorneys by giving $100 million in annual grants to governments that pay for free legal representation of low-income tenants facing eviction, including covering attorney training and recruitment costs.
Where it stands: The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on July 24, 2025. No hearings or markups have been scheduled in the available data.

S 1101 US Senate Last action
March 25, 2025 May reachLong shot

SHARE Act of 2025

Peter Welch (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: The bill would require the FBI to make criminal history record information available to state licensing boards for background checks on people seeking licenses or multistate practice privileges under an interstate compact. It would also bar those boards from sharing the underlying records with compact commissions, other state agencies, or the public, while allowing them to tell a compact commission only whether an applicant's background check was completed and whether it came back satisfactory. This bill affects lawyers and other licensed professionals by requiring FBI criminal history records for state licensing board background checks when they seek licenses or multistate practice privileges under an interstate compact, while restricting who can see those records.
Where it stands: S. 1101 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on March 25, 2025, and no further action appears in the record. That placement is the stage where committees need not act on referred bills and the chair decides whether anything happens at all.

S 467 US Senate Last action
February 6, 2025 May reachLong shot

End Double Taxation of Successful Consumer Claims Act

Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This proposal would allow taxpayers to deduct attorney fees and costs for consumer protection claims directly from their gross income. This change ensures that individuals do not pay federal income tax on the portion of a settlement or award that goes to their lawyers. This bill lets clients deduct attorney fees and costs from their gross income in consumer protection cases, which lowers their after-tax cost of hiring a lawyer and so could bring law firms more consumer claims work.
Where it stands: S. 467 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance on February 6, 2025, where the chair controls whether to schedule a markup. No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the available data.

HR 944 US House Last action
February 4, 2025 May reachLong shot

Access to Counsel Act

Pramila Jayapal (Democrat) · Sponsor of record · Official record ↗

What it does: This act requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide covered individuals with a meaningful opportunity to consult with legal counsel and interested parties during secondary or deferred inspections, including within one hour of secondary inspection commencement. It prohibits officials from accepting abandonment forms from lawful permanent residents unless they first have a chance to seek legal advice or explicitly waive that right in writing. This bill requires DHS to give people facing secondary inspections a real chance to consult with counsel, creating guaranteed access for immigration attorneys and legal aid representatives to detained clients and likely increasing demand for their services.
Where it stands: HR944 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on February 4, 2025, and no upcoming meetings are scheduled in the available calendar data. The related Senate bill S391 was also referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on February 4, 2025.

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