Legis Daily

Prevent the Misuse of Federal Law Enforcement Act

USA119th CongressHR-8451| House 
| Updated: 4/22/2026
Ted Lieu

Ted Lieu

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (1)
Maxine Dexter (Democratic)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Judiciary Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Prevent the Misuse of Federal Law Enforcement Act," aims to significantly limit the independent operational authority of specific federal law enforcement agencies within state, tribal, and local jurisdictions. Its primary goal is to ensure that federal law enforcement actions, particularly those involving local personnel or responses to public demonstrations, are conducted with the explicit consent and coordination of the affected local governance. This measure seeks to reinforce principles of federalism and local control over law enforcement matters. The legislation amends the Controlled Substances Act to restrict Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents' duties exclusively to investigations concerning drugs. It also modifies the powers of the U.S. Marshals Service , prohibiting them from deputizing state, local, tribal, or other federal law enforcement officers unless a formal request is made by the chief executive of the relevant jurisdiction. Furthermore, the bill addresses the law enforcement authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security concerning protest activities, stipulating that DHS may not designate additional employees for property protection during protests without a request from the appropriate chief executive, with an exception for Federal Protective Service employees.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 22, 2026
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • April 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 22, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Prevent the Misuse of Federal Law Enforcement Act

USA119th CongressHR-8451| House 
| Updated: 4/22/2026
This bill, known as the "Prevent the Misuse of Federal Law Enforcement Act," aims to significantly limit the independent operational authority of specific federal law enforcement agencies within state, tribal, and local jurisdictions. Its primary goal is to ensure that federal law enforcement actions, particularly those involving local personnel or responses to public demonstrations, are conducted with the explicit consent and coordination of the affected local governance. This measure seeks to reinforce principles of federalism and local control over law enforcement matters. The legislation amends the Controlled Substances Act to restrict Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents' duties exclusively to investigations concerning drugs. It also modifies the powers of the U.S. Marshals Service , prohibiting them from deputizing state, local, tribal, or other federal law enforcement officers unless a formal request is made by the chief executive of the relevant jurisdiction. Furthermore, the bill addresses the law enforcement authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security concerning protest activities, stipulating that DHS may not designate additional employees for property protection during protests without a request from the appropriate chief executive, with an exception for Federal Protective Service employees.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 22, 2026
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • April 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 22, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Ted Lieu

Ted Lieu

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (1)
Maxine Dexter (Democratic)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Judiciary Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted