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To authorize civil actions against judges who, and other government entities that, release repeat offenders on bail, and for other purposes.
Summary
The JAIL Act would authorize civil lawsuits against judges and other government entities that release individuals on bail pending trial if those individuals are charged with a violent crime and have prior violent crime convictions. If such a released defendant harms another person while on bail, the harmed person or their immediate family member could sue the judge or government entity for damages. The bill would eliminate judicial immunity as a defense in these civil actions, meaning judges cannot claim immunity from liability. The law would apply to both federal and state judges. A covered defendant is defined as an individual charged with a crime of violence who has a prior conviction for a crime of violence.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill text — neutral, and may be imperfect. See the full text below for the exact wording.
Sponsor (1)
- Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT] (R-MT)
1 cosponsor
Actions (2)
- Nov 20, 2025 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. · senate
- Nov 20, 2025 Introduced in Senate
Similar bills (6)
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Text versions (1)
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Full text
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 20, 2025
Mr. Sheehy (for himself and Mrs. Blackburn) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A BILL
To authorize civil actions against judges who, and other government entities that, release repeat offenders on bail, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Judicial Accountability for Irresponsible Leniency Act” or the “JAIL Act”.
SEC. 2. CIVIL ACTIONS FOR HARM CAUSED BY REPEAT OFFENDERS RELEASED PENDING TRIAL.
(a) Civil Action.—If a judge or another government entity issues an order releasing a covered defendant on bail pending trial, and the covered defendant harms another person during such release, that person (or an immediate family member of that person if the person is deceased), may bring a civil action against the judge or other government entity in an appropriate district court of the United States seeking damages.
(b) No Judicial Immunity.—Judicial immunity is not a defense in a civil action under this section.
(c) Definitions.—In this section:
(1) The term “covered defendant” means an individual who is charged with a crime of violence and has previously been convicted of a crime of violence.
(2) The term “crime of violence” has the meaning given that term in section 16 of title 18, United States Code.
(3) The term “judge” includes Federal and State judges. <all>
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