H.R. 7278: Cost of Police Misconduct Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Cost of Police Misconduct Act of 2026, aims to improve accountability within law enforcement agencies by enforcing reporting obligations related to allegations of misconduct. It establishes a framework for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to report allegations of misconduct involving officers, as well as the outcomes of related judicial processes, such as settlements and judgments.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions

The bill defines important terms such as:

• Allegation of misconduct: Claims made by community members or peers suggesting an unlawful or inappropriate action by a law enforcement officer.
• Judgment: The final court order resolving issues in a civil case regarding officer misconduct.
• Misconduct: Actions by law enforcement that violate state or federal law, or are otherwise deemed inappropriate.

2. Reporting Requirements

The Attorney General must:

• Identify all federal law enforcement agencies and publish this information online.
• Require federal agencies to collect and report data on judgments and settlements resulting from allegations of officer misconduct, including details such as demographics of those involved and the nature of allegations.

3. State and Local Law Enforcement

State and local agencies receiving funding under the Byrne JAG program will have similar requirements:

• Collect and report information on judgments and settlements related to officer misconduct.
• Publish this data on their websites within specified timeframes.
• Failing to comply with reporting requirements could result in a reduction of funding, up to 10% of their Byrne JAG funds.

4. Database Creation

The Attorney General is also mandated to create a public and searchable database, containing all reported data, updated annually. This database will not include any personally identifiable information of law enforcement officers.

5. Oversight and Review

After two years of collected data, a study will be carried out to:

• Assess the effectiveness of data collection efforts.
• Examine the causes of misconduct and recommendations for improvement.
• Provide transparency on spending related to judgments and settlements across different agencies.

6. Reports to Congress

Regular reports will be submitted to Congress detailing findings regarding law enforcement practices, the nature of misconduct, and suggestions for improvement within agencies.

7. Public Awareness

By making this data public, the legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement agencies, helping to build trust with the public.

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