Closing Bribery Loopholes Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Closing Bribery Loopholes Act, introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff, would amend the federal bribery statute in title 18 of the U.S. Code to broaden and clarify the definition of "official act" for purposes of bribery-related offenses involving public officials and witnesses. The revised definition would explicitly include pardons, commutations, and reprieves, as well as offers of such actions, as official acts. It would also clarify that an official act can consist of a single act, multiple acts, or an ongoing course of conduct, and that it counts as an official act regardless of whether it succeeds in achieving its intended outcome.
The bill would primarily affect how federal bribery law applies to public officials, including questions about whether granting or offering clemency, or engaging in extended patterns of conduct intended to influence official decisions, can serve as the basis for bribery charges. It would also be relevant to prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courts interpreting the scope of federal bribery statutes.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. No further action has occurred. For the bill to become law, it would need to be approved by the Judiciary Committee, pass both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President.
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 23, 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 S. 5102 do?
- The Closing Bribery Loopholes Act, introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff, would amend the federal bribery statute in title 18 of the U.S. Code to broaden and clarify the definition of "official act" for purposes of bribery-related offenses involving public officials and witnesses. The revised definition would explicitly include pardons, commutations, and reprieves, as well as offers of such actions, as official acts. It would also clarify that an official act can consist of a single act, multiple acts, or an ongoing course of conduct, and that it counts as an official act regardless of whether it succeeds in achieving its intended outcome. The bill would primarily affect how federal bribery law applies to public officials, including questions about whether granting or offering clemency, or engaging in extended patterns of conduct intended to influence official decisions, can serve as the basis for bribery charges. It would also be relevant to prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courts interpreting the scope of federal bribery statutes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. No further action has occurred. For the bill to become law, it would need to be approved by the Judiciary Committee, pass both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President.
- Has S. 5102 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, S. 5102 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5102?
- S. 5102 was sponsored by Sen. Adam Schiff [D-CA] (Democrat-CA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5102?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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