Honest Services Fraud Improvement Act
Creates a federal civil lawsuit that qualified citizens could bring against government officials accused of defrauding the public of honest services.
In the Senate Judiciary Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 12 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Public officials can face allegations that they used their positions dishonestly. The bill would let certain citizens bring federal civil lawsuits against officials accused of defrauding the public of honest services. It sets rules for who can sue, gives the government an initial opportunity to pursue a criminal case, and allows damages and legal costs if an official is found liable.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Create citizen lawsuits against officials
A qualified U.S. citizen could sue a government official who takes part in a scheme to defraud citizens of their right to honest services. The case would be brought in federal district court.
- Limit who can bring a case
A plaintiff would have to be a citizen who was a constituent or lived within the official’s jurisdiction during the alleged scheme. The plaintiff could not be an election candidate or act in coordination with, on behalf of, or using funding from a candidate, campaign committee, or candidate’s legal defense fund; the plaintiff could not represent themselves without a lawyer.
- Give the government an initial review period
A complaint would first be filed under seal and shared with the government along with the plaintiff’s evidence. The government could pursue a criminal case; if it does, the civil case would be dismissed. If it declines, the plaintiff would have to provide evidence to the court, which would decide whether the complaint meets the bill’s requirements before it is unsealed and served.
- Award damages and legal costs
A liable official would have to pay the plaintiff compensatory damages, damages equal to three times the value of any bribe solicited or accepted, and reasonable legal expenses and attorney’s fees. Punitive damages would go to the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.
- Bar some claims and remedies
A case would have to be filed within one year after the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the alleged scheme, and no later than the deadline for filing a criminal charge under the referenced law. A plaintiff could not base a case on an official’s campaign contributions or ask the court to block official action.
The bill’s stated purpose is to let citizens enforce the public’s interest in honest services from government officials. It would create a way for eligible citizens to bring a civil case, with the possibility of damages, while giving the government an opportunity to pursue a criminal case first.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026SENATESEP 24, 2026By Sen. Kim with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Judiciary
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 24, 2026JUDICIARY NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 12 daysNo hearing yet
- 12 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 12, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Sen. Kim’s record: sponsored 48 bills this Congress. 0 passed the Senate; 0 became law.
- Cory A. BookerD-NJORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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