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HR 8365 119th Congress House Law Federal district courts Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management Government information and archives Judicial procedure and administration Legal fees and court costs

Monitor Accountability Act

Introduced: April 20, 2026 Introduced by: Biggs, Andy Republican · Arizona See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 20 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 18, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
May 14, 2026
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 14, 2026
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 219 - 204 (Roll no. 173). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3480)
May 14, 2026
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 219 - 204 (Roll no. 173). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3480)
May 14, 2026
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 213 (Roll no. 172).
May 14, 2026
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3507-3509)
May 14, 2026
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 8365, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Boyle (PA) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
May 14, 2026
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
May 14, 2026
Mr. Boyle (PA) moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H3486)
May 14, 2026
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
May 14, 2026
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8365.
May 14, 2026
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5625, H.R. 6260, H.R. 8365, H. Con. Res. 96 and H.R. 8469. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 5625, H.R. 6260, H.R. 8365, and H.Con.Res. 96 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8469 under a structured rule. The resolution makes in order one motion to recommit on each bill.
May 14, 2026
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1275. (consideration: CR H3480-3486)
May 12, 2026
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1275 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5625, H.R. 6260, H.R. 8365, H. Con. Res. 96 and H.R. 8469. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 5625, H.R. 6260, H.R. 8365, and H.Con.Res. 96 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8469 under a structured rule. The resolution makes in order one motion to recommit on each bill.
May 4, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 551.
May 4, 2026
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-635.
Apr 22, 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 11.
Apr 22, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Apr 20, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Apr 20, 2026
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 2
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
May 14, 2026 House · vote #173 On Passage Passed 219–204 See who voted →
May 14, 2026 House · vote #172 On Motion to Recommit Failed 210–213 See who voted →
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Monitor Accountability Act

This bill requires the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish conditions on the appointment of monitors to oversee state and local governmental entities. A monitor is an independent official appointed to oversee corrective reforms as part of a civil settlement agreement or consent decree, such as to remedy a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing.

Among the conditions, this bill requires notice and an opportunity for public comment prior to the appointment of a monitor, limits an individual to one monitor appointment at a time, sets a five-year term limit for monitors, and requires a public accounting of the fees charged and services provided by the monitor. It also caps fees and explicitly authorizes the use of pro bono services.

In 2021, the Department of Justice began implementing a set of principles and specific recommendations regarding the use of monitors in civil settlement agreements and consent decrees involving state and local governmental entities, including recommendations relating to term limits, capping fees, and public accountability. 

What's happening now May 18, 2026

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 2
All 2 Republican 2