Legis Daily

Monitor Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-4917| Senate 
| Updated: 6/24/2026
John Kennedy

John Kennedy

Republican Senator

Louisiana

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish comprehensive rules for the appointment of monitors by federal district courts, specifically for overseeing the conduct of State or local governments. These rules must include specific provisions regarding monitor fees , setting maximum rates and encouraging the use of pro bono or reduced rates for services. Furthermore, the bill limits monitors to serving on only one monitorship at a time and imposes a maximum term of five years , prohibiting reappointment under the same court order. To enhance transparency and accountability, the bill requires courts to provide public notice and an opportunity for comment before a monitor's appointment. Monitors must also submit annual public accountings detailing services provided and fees charged, including any pro bono work. For monitorships lasting longer than six years, the legislation mandates the transfer of the case to another judge , and it applies similar provisions to existing long-term monitorships, emphasizing that monitoring is a public service.
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Timeline
May 18, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8365
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Jun 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 18, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8365
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.


  • June 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Law

Monitor Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-4917| Senate 
| Updated: 6/24/2026
This legislation directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish comprehensive rules for the appointment of monitors by federal district courts, specifically for overseeing the conduct of State or local governments. These rules must include specific provisions regarding monitor fees , setting maximum rates and encouraging the use of pro bono or reduced rates for services. Furthermore, the bill limits monitors to serving on only one monitorship at a time and imposes a maximum term of five years , prohibiting reappointment under the same court order. To enhance transparency and accountability, the bill requires courts to provide public notice and an opportunity for comment before a monitor's appointment. Monitors must also submit annual public accountings detailing services provided and fees charged, including any pro bono work. For monitorships lasting longer than six years, the legislation mandates the transfer of the case to another judge , and it applies similar provisions to existing long-term monitorships, emphasizing that monitoring is a public service.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline
May 18, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8365
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Jun 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 18, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8365
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.


  • June 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
John Kennedy

John Kennedy

Republican Senator

Louisiana

Judiciary Committee

Law

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