Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
What this bill does
The Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act, introduced in the Senate, aims to protect the integrity of federal elections. The bill would allow individuals affected by certain election interference activities to file civil lawsuits and seek court orders to stop violations. It also proposes to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting specific federal election interference crimes from the current limit to nine years.
Additionally, the bill would place restrictions on when law enforcement can seize ballots and election equipment, generally prohibiting seizure until after recounts, audits, or legal challenges are resolved. An exception is made if a judge finds clear and convincing evidence that the materials are at risk of destruction. The bill also authorizes grants to states to establish programs that track and confirm the receipt of mail-in and absentee ballots, making information about ballot status available to voters and, for a cost, to political parties and voter registration groups.
This bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. Further action would involve committee review, potential amendments, and a vote by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
23 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Common questions
- What does S. 5124 do?
- The Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act, introduced in the Senate, aims to protect the integrity of federal elections. The bill would allow individuals affected by certain election interference activities to file civil lawsuits and seek court orders to stop violations. It also proposes to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting specific federal election interference crimes from the current limit to nine years. Additionally, the bill would place restrictions on when law enforcement can seize ballots and election equipment, generally prohibiting seizure until after recounts, audits, or legal challenges are resolved. An exception is made if a judge finds clear and convincing evidence that the materials are at risk of destruction. The bill also authorizes grants to states to establish programs that track and confirm the receipt of mail-in and absentee ballots, making information about ballot status available to voters and, for a cost, to political parties and voter registration groups. This bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. Further action would involve committee review, potential amendments, and a vote by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Has S. 5124 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5124. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5124?
- S. 5124 was sponsored by Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA] (D-CA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5124?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (23 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Government Operations and Politics
Bring Our Heroes Home Act
Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025
National American History and Founders Month Act
Italian Heroes and Heritage Act
More bills from Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
SPELL Act
BRIDGE Act of 2026
Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act
COWS Act of 2026
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.