Bills · HR 3815
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3815Crime and Law Enforcement
True Justice Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 6· LAST ACTION JUN 6
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
14
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a fundamental issue in the U.S. justice system: the constitutional right to a lawyer. Many people, particularly those with low incomes, struggle to get effective legal representation immediately after an arrest, which can impact their freedom and future. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more people having a lawyer present at crucial early court proceedings, potentially preventing wrongful convictions or unfair plea deals, and ensuring their rights are protected from the outset.
Without this bill, the current system, where the quality and availability of public defense vary widely by state and locality, would continue. Passing this law could help standardize and elevate the quality of public defense nationwide by providing dedicated funding for services and training. This could lead to a more equitable justice system, where someone's ability to afford a lawyer doesn't dictate the quality of their defense, especially in the critical moments following an arrest.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states, local governments, and public defender offices to provide legal representation to individuals after arrest, including at initial appearances.
This provision directly funds efforts to ensure individuals have legal counsel at critical early stages of criminal proceedings.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for training public defenders, court-appointed, and contract attorneys on best practices for representing individuals in these post-arrest judicial proceedings.
This provision aims to improve the quality of legal defense provided to those who cannot afford a private attorney.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes $50,000,000 to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the grant programs.
This provides specific funding to support the creation and operation of the public defender grant program over several years.
PROVISION 04
Includes a Sense of Congress that the constitutional right to counsel applies to any and all post-arrest proceedings.
This statement reinforces the legislative intent to uphold and broaden the interpretation of the Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 14
D· Pennsylvania
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
24
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 14 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUN 6
Introduced in House
JUN 6
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3815
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJun 6, 2025
Last actionJun 6, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 6, 2025
House BillHR 3815Crime and Law Enforcement
True Justice Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUN 6, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 6, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
14
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
