Private Detention Corporate Accountability Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9883. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9883?
- H.R. 9883 was sponsored by Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45] (D-CA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9883?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (22 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Law
Criminal History Access Act of 2026
Speak Your Truth Act
Executive Settlement Review Act
Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2026
More bills from Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45]
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.