Following a recent field hearing in Charlotte by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) has introduced the Judicial Accountability for Public Safety Act. The proposed legislation aims to make judges civilly liable if they release violent offenders who then harm innocent people.
“When judges let dangerous repeat offenders walk free despite knowing the risks, and someone gets hurt or killed, there has to be accountability,” said Congressman Moore. “We’ve seen too many cases, like the killings of Iryna Zarutska and Logan Federico, that were completely preventable if their murderers had been behind bars where they belonged. The judicial systems in Democrat-run cities that favor criminals over victims are failing innocent Americans. This legislation is the first step to making sure judges do their jobs and put public safety first.”
The bill provides a legal path for victims or their families to sue judges when bond or sentencing decisions are made with gross negligence or intentional disregard for public safety. It would remove judicial immunity in such circumstances but maintains protections for judges acting in good faith or within normal judicial discretion.
Congressman Moore recently won re-election against Pam Genant in 2024 with 58.1% of the vote.
The text of the bill and remarks from Congressman Moore during the field hearing are available online.
