Private Detention Corporate Accountability Act of 2026
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9883, the Private Detention Corporate Accountability Act of 2026, would create a federal legal pathway for holding private detention centers accountable when someone dies while held in their custody. Under the bill, an officer or employee of a private detention center whose actions cause the wrongful death of a detained person would be liable, under relevant state law, for statutory damages of at least $5,000,000 plus economic damages, and potentially punitive damages. The detention center itself would be vicariously liable for such harm, and no officer or employee could claim absolute or qualified immunity as a defense.
The bill affects private companies that contract with the federal government to hold individuals accused of civil, criminal, or immigration violations, as well as their officers and employees. It benefits the families or legal successors of people who die in such facilities, who could sue in federal district court for damages; the bill also preserves their ability to pursue claims in state court instead.
The bill was introduced on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Derek Tran and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed into law before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 22, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9883 do?
- H.R. 9883, the Private Detention Corporate Accountability Act of 2026, would create a federal legal pathway for holding private detention centers accountable when someone dies while held in their custody. Under the bill, an officer or employee of a private detention center whose actions cause the wrongful death of a detained person would be liable, under relevant state law, for statutory damages of at least $5,000,000 plus economic damages, and potentially punitive damages. The detention center itself would be vicariously liable for such harm, and no officer or employee could claim absolute or qualified immunity as a defense. The bill affects private companies that contract with the federal government to hold individuals accused of civil, criminal, or immigration violations, as well as their officers and employees. It benefits the families or legal successors of people who die in such facilities, who could sue in federal district court for damages; the bill also preserves their ability to pursue claims in state court instead. The bill was introduced on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Derek Tran and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed into law before taking effect.
- Has H.R. 9883 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, H.R. 9883 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9883?
- H.R. 9883 was sponsored by Rep. Derek Tran [D-CA45] (Democrat-CA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9883?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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