Consent Decree Legislation

Over the past few months, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-5) has spotlighted the shortcomings of the consent decree process on the national stage. He has raised concerns that the current system discourages monitors from finding agencies in compliance and obstructs the ability of departments to serve their communities. In February, he chaired a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing that examined the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s federal monitorship. Despite 13 years under a monitor and a $350 million price tag, experts testified that the goal posts keep moving, making it difficult for them to achieve full compliance. This lengthy oversight has also worsened their officer recruitment and retention. PORAC submitted a letter for the official record about the structural flaws of the monitoring system and improvements that would deliver real benefits for departments and communities.

Building on this discussion, Rep. Biggs introduced the Monitor Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 8365), which would make common sense reforms to federal monitorships. It would ensure monitors’ independence from other interests, promote accountability, and increase transparency — all priorities highlighted in PORAC’s recent consent decree research brief.

The House Judiciary Committee acted quickly on the bill, reporting it favorably in the same week it was introduced. It now awaits consideration by the full House. PORAC applauds Congress’s progress on these necessary changes and looks forward to productive conversations about driving this effort forward during Police Week.

Police Week Fly-In

The Steptoe team will host members of PORAC’s Board of Directors, the Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs (WACOPS), and the Oregon Coalition of Police & Sheriffs (ORCOPS) in Washington, D.C. for National Police Week. From May 11-16, they will meet with key members of Congress, their staff, Congressional committees, and national law enforcement and labor organizations.

Congress is approaching the final months of its 119th session, and members have been busy with writing and moving legislation as the finish line nears. This fly-in will be a valuable opportunity to continue recent legislative momentum, advocate for our members’ priorities, and amplify the West Coast law enforcement perspective in the broader Police Week conversation.