This bill, known as the "Restoring Law and Order on America's Streets Act," significantly expands the scope of federal civil commitment under title 18, United States Code. It amends existing law to allow for the commitment of individuals identified as a "person who is a danger to public safety," in addition to sexually dangerous persons. A person is deemed a danger to public safety if they have engaged in specific offenses and suffer from a serious mental illness, abnormality, or disorder that makes it difficult for them to refrain from such actions. The specified offenses include crimes of violence , burglary , robbery , larceny , and the unlawful possession or distribution of controlled substances in public places. Notably, the bill also includes behaviors such as urban camping and urban squatting as criteria for this designation. Furthermore, it mandates that the Attorney General or Director of the Bureau of Prisons evaluate homeless individuals, who meet these criteria, for potential civil commitment.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Crime and Law Enforcement
Restoring Law and Order on America’s Streets Act
USA119th CongressHR-8452| House
| Updated: 4/22/2026
This bill, known as the "Restoring Law and Order on America's Streets Act," significantly expands the scope of federal civil commitment under title 18, United States Code. It amends existing law to allow for the commitment of individuals identified as a "person who is a danger to public safety," in addition to sexually dangerous persons. A person is deemed a danger to public safety if they have engaged in specific offenses and suffer from a serious mental illness, abnormality, or disorder that makes it difficult for them to refrain from such actions. The specified offenses include crimes of violence , burglary , robbery , larceny , and the unlawful possession or distribution of controlled substances in public places. Notably, the bill also includes behaviors such as urban camping and urban squatting as criteria for this designation. Furthermore, it mandates that the Attorney General or Director of the Bureau of Prisons evaluate homeless individuals, who meet these criteria, for potential civil commitment.