H.R. 9883: Private Detention Corporate Accountability Act of 2026

This bill would create a new legal cause of action against private detention centers and their officers or employees if a person dies while being held in one of these facilities and the death is found to be wrongful.

What it applies to

The bill defines a private detention center as a private company that has a contract with the federal government to hold people accused of civil, criminal, or immigration law violations.

What lawsuits could be filed

If a wrongful death occurs, the deceased person’s estate or legal successor could sue in federal district court. The lawsuit could seek:

• At least $5 million in statutory damages
• Economic damages, such as lost income or related financial losses
• Punitive damages, if appropriate under the law

Who would be responsible

The bill says both the individual officer or employee involved and the private detention center itself would be liable. It also says the detention center would be responsible for harms covered by the bill through vicarious liability, meaning it can be held legally responsible for actions taken by its officers or employees within the scope of their work.

Limits on defenses

The bill would prevent officers or employees of private detention centers from using absolute or qualified immunity as a defense in these cases. It also says the bill would not stop someone from bringing a similar claim in state court if state law allows it.

Practical effect

In simple terms, the bill would make private detention companies more exposed to large lawsuits when someone dies in their custody under wrongful circumstances. It would give families or legal representatives a specific federal pathway to seek damages.

Relevant Companies

• GEO — GEO Group operates private correctional and detention facilities and could be directly affected if its facilities are subject to wrongful-death claims under this bill.
• CXW — CoreCivic operates private prisons and detention centers and could face increased legal liability and damages exposure if the bill becomes law.