Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7934
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-19T19:35:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to increase transparency by requiring federal agencies to publicly disclose information about certain settlement agreements they enter into, creating searchable databases for this purpose.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: A "covered settlement agreement" includes those requiring at least $10 million in payments, involving a special master or monitor, affecting state or local governments, or designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director. Exclusions cover matters like the U.S. Trustee Program, federal employee personnel actions, non-prosecution agreements, tax issues, and certain forfeiture cases.
- Database Requirement: Agencies must create and maintain public online databases listing covered agreements with details such as claim type (civil or criminal), execution dates, alleged violations, attorney fees, payment amounts, penalties, payment recipients, agreement duration, and involved governments. Copies of the agreements must also be published where possible.
- Guidance and Standards: The OMB Director, working with the Attorney General, must issue rules on publication timelines (at least annually), data formats, additional designation criteria, and uniform web addresses (e.g., agencyname.gov/settlements). Existing agency databases may receive certification if they meet standards.
- Non-Disclosure Reports: Agencies must annually report to Congress and the public on any covered agreements withheld from the database, including the number and reasons for exemptions.
- Applicability: The rules apply to new agreements after enactment and, where practical, to qualifying agreements from 2015 onward that remain active.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill adds a new section (Sec. 307) to title 5 of the U.S. Code, imposing mandatory public disclosure requirements for specific settlement agreements that previously had no such standardized publication obligation.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Agencies must dedicate resources to build and update databases, apply new classification rules, and submit annual reports, potentially increasing administrative workloads.
- Citizens: Provides greater public access to details on large or notable settlements, allowing easier review of government actions and payments.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies and their leadership (responsible for database creation and compliance).
- The OMB Director and Attorney General (tasked with guidance and coordination).
- State, local, and tribal governments (when parties to covered agreements).
- The public and Congress (as recipients of reports and database access).
- Settling parties (subject to potential disclosure of agreement terms).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill explicitly states that database publication does not alter agreement terms, create new legal rights for challenges, or override existing exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act or for classified information.
- It includes a rule of construction to limit any unintended expansion of disclosure obligations or judicial review opportunities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
- 2026-03-18: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-03-16: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-03-16: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-16: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (12 pages)