Ensure that people accused of crimes can communicate privately with their lawyers using digital devices.
One policy goal, tracked across every bill that has carried it.
What’s happening with Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act?
The bills H.R. 7491 and S. 3850 remain in their respective judiciary committees as of June 10, 2026. The House and Senate committees must hold a vote to advance these bills, but most legislation fails because committees do not take action. Since no progress has occurred since February 10, 2026, the effort faces the common hurdle of committee inaction.
Updated July 9, 2026 · Generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.
Where it stands
Now carried by Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act (H.R. 7491 (119th)) →
Legislative Progress
How we got here
Every bill that has carried this goal, oldest first.
Died with Congress · Jan 3, 2025
Died when the 118th Congress ended without final passage. Bills must be reintroduced under a new number to be revived.
Reintroduced · Jan 3, 2025
Reintroduced from H.R. 10450 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 10450 (118th) →Reintroduced · Jan 3, 2025
Reintroduced from S. 5580 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
S. 5580 (118th) →
Vehicles
Who’s behind it
Madeleine Dean (D-PA)Wrote and sponsored the current bill.
