Bill

H.R. 8365 (119th): Monitor Accountability Act

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.

house · Substantive

Rankings updated October 26, 2026, 11:44 AM ET · Votes through September 30, 2026
Exported candidates: 719 | Filings on file, by office: H: 5838 | P: 1467 | S: 1567. These counts include every filing for that office, so they are larger than the ranked list. One person can have more than one filing. Non-voting delegates are left out.

Recorded summary

The bill directs the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to set conditions on appointing monitors, who are independent officials overseeing corrective reforms under civil settlement agreements or consent decrees with state and local governments, such as remedies for a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing. The conditions require notice and public comment before appointment, limit a person to one monitor appointment at a time, set a five-year term limit, require public accounting of monitor fees and services, cap fees, and explicitly authorize pro bono services.

accountabilitygovernment_accountabilitygovernment_overreachjudicial_administrationpolicing_reform

Theological note: The bill concerns the oversight of remedies for unconstitutional policing and the stewardship of public money and institutional power. Scripture's call to justice and to restraint of abuse is relevant, as is the duty to deal honestly with public funds. Its fee caps and public accounting bear on general equity and good stewardship, while its effect on the enforcement of constitutional remedies raises a prudential question about whether accountability is strengthened or weakened.

How this bill is scored

Recorded votes

Roll 172 · 14-May-2026 5:04 PM · On Motion to Recommit · Failed

Yea 210 · Nay 213 · Other 7

Yea

Nay

Other

Roll 173 · 14-May-2026 5:10 PM · On Passage · Passed

Yea 219 · Nay 204 · Other 7

Yea

Nay

Other

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