LACA
Latest action (16 Sep 2026): Became Public Law No: 119-109.
What this bill does
S. 32, the Local Access to Courts Act (LACA), makes a technical change to federal court administration. It amends title 28 of the U.S. Code to add College Station, Texas, as an official location where the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas may hold sessions, and adds El Centro, California, as an official location for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, which already holds court in San Diego.
The bill primarily affects the federal judiciary's internal organization and, indirectly, litigants, attorneys, and court staff in these regions. By designating these cities as authorized locations for holding court, the bill would make it possible for judicial proceedings to be conducted there, potentially improving local access to federal court services without altering judges' jurisdiction, case types, or substantive law.
The bill was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz on January 8, 2025, passed the Senate on February 12, 2025, and passed the House by a 378-10 vote on August 31, 2026, under a suspension of the rules requiring a two-thirds majority. Having passed both chambers, the bill next goes to the President, who may sign it into law or veto it.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Local Access to Courts Act or LACA
This act adds College Station to the list of places where court must be held in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas.
Additionally, the act adds El Centro to the list of places where court must be held in the Southern District of California.
Timeline
16 Sep 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-109.
Common questions
- What does S. 32 do?
- S. 32, the Local Access to Courts Act (LACA), makes a technical change to federal court administration. It amends title 28 of the U.S. Code to add College Station, Texas, as an official location where the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas may hold sessions, and adds El Centro, California, as an official location for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, which already holds court in San Diego. The bill primarily affects the federal judiciary's internal organization and, indirectly, litigants, attorneys, and court staff in these regions. By designating these cities as authorized locations for holding court, the bill would make it possible for judicial proceedings to be conducted there, potentially improving local access to federal court services without altering judges' jurisdiction, case types, or substantive law. The bill was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz on January 8, 2025, passed the Senate on February 12, 2025, and passed the House by a 378-10 vote on August 31, 2026, under a suspension of the rules requiring a two-thirds majority. Having passed both chambers, the bill next goes to the President, who may sign it into law or veto it.
- Has S. 32 become law?
- Yes. S. 32 has been enacted. Status last updated 16 Sep 2026.
- Who sponsored S. 32?
- S. 32 was sponsored by Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (R-TX), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 32?
- Became Public Law No: 119-109. (16 Sep 2026).
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