Families Deserve to Know Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (13 Aug 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
H.R. 10107, the "Families Deserve to Know Act," would require the Department of Homeland Security to create formal policies for notifying next-of-kin or other designated emergency contacts when a person in ICE custody dies, becomes seriously ill or injured, or is hospitalized. ICE would have to collect emergency contact information (and preferences about faith leaders and medical directives) when taking someone into custody, allow updates at least every 90 days, and provide materials in languages the detainee understands. Notifications of death would generally be required within 12 hours, with specific information about the death, and similar timelines apply to serious illness or injury, with narrow exceptions for safety or investigative concerns.
The bill affects individuals detained by ICE, their families and emergency contacts, and companies or governments operating detention facilities under contract with ICE, who would face civil penalties for noncompliance. It also creates congressional and public reporting requirements, an inspector general audit process, and a civil lawsuit option—including against the federal government—for violations, with statutory damages of at least $100,000 per violation. The bill states no additional federal funds are authorized; agencies would use existing resources.
The bill was introduced on August 13, 2026, by Rep. Ritchie Torres and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in the House and Senate before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
13 Aug 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10107 do?
- H.R. 10107, the "Families Deserve to Know Act," would require the Department of Homeland Security to create formal policies for notifying next-of-kin or other designated emergency contacts when a person in ICE custody dies, becomes seriously ill or injured, or is hospitalized. ICE would have to collect emergency contact information (and preferences about faith leaders and medical directives) when taking someone into custody, allow updates at least every 90 days, and provide materials in languages the detainee understands. Notifications of death would generally be required within 12 hours, with specific information about the death, and similar timelines apply to serious illness or injury, with narrow exceptions for safety or investigative concerns. The bill affects individuals detained by ICE, their families and emergency contacts, and companies or governments operating detention facilities under contract with ICE, who would face civil penalties for noncompliance. It also creates congressional and public reporting requirements, an inspector general audit process, and a civil lawsuit option—including against the federal government—for violations, with statutory damages of at least $100,000 per violation. The bill states no additional federal funds are authorized; agencies would use existing resources. The bill was introduced on August 13, 2026, by Rep. Ritchie Torres and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in the House and Senate before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
- Has H.R. 10107 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10107. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10107?
- H.R. 10107 was sponsored by Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15] (D-NY), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10107?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (13 Aug 2026).
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