Bills · S 1914
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1914Crime and Law Enforcement
Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 22· LAST ACTION MAY 22
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a critical concern about the well-being and safety of individuals held in federal custody. Currently, there can be gaps in accountability when detainees suffer harm or death after being denied medical attention by federal officials. If this bill becomes law, it would create a clear federal criminal penalty for negligent actions, potentially leading to more consistent and timely medical care for people in custody.
Voters should care because it could improve standards of care within the federal justice system and provide a mechanism for holding officials accountable when their negligence leads to serious harm or death. Without this bill, accountability for such incidents might rely on existing, potentially less direct, legal avenues or internal disciplinary processes that do not carry the same weight as a specific federal criminal charge.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a federal crime for negligent failure by federal officials to provide immediate medical attention to individuals in custody displaying medical distress, if it results in unnecessary pain, injury, or death.
This provision creates direct criminal liability for federal officers and prison staff, increasing accountability for potentially life-threatening omissions.
PROVISION 02
Imposes penalties for violations, including fines, imprisonment for up to 1 year, or both.
These penalties provide a deterrent and a means of punishment for officials found to be in violation, reinforcing the seriousness of the offense.
PROVISION 03
Requires the appropriate Inspector General to investigate such incidents and refer negligent cases for prosecution.
This ensures an independent review process for alleged failures to provide medical care, increasing the likelihood of accountability.
PROVISION 04
Allows state attorneys general to bring civil actions against federal officials who violate the act, if a state resident is aggrieved.
This provides an additional avenue for legal recourse and oversight beyond federal channels, potentially increasing enforcement.
PROVISION 05
Mandates training for federal officials on obtaining or providing medical assistance to individuals in medical distress.
This provision aims to prevent incidents by equipping officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
D· Massachusetts
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
85
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 4 REP 0 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 22
Introduced in Senate
MAY 22
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1914
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 22, 2025
Last actionMay 22, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 22, 2025
Senate BillS 1914Crime and Law Enforcement
Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAY 22, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 22, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
