Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish conditions on the appointment of monitors to oversee state and local governmental entities.

Highlights:

• Requires the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish conditions on the appointment of monitors to oversee state and local governmental entities (Sec. 2).

• Defines a “Monitor” as an independent official appointed to oversee corrective reforms as part of a civil settlement agreement or consent decree, such as to remedy a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing (Sec. 2).

• Requires notice and an opportunity for public comment before the appointment of a monitor (Sec. 2).

• Limits an individual to one monitor appointment at a time, sets a five-year term limit for monitors (Sec. ).

• Requires a public accounting of the fees charged and services provided by the monitor (Sec. 2).

• Establishes a cap on fees and explicitly authorizes the use of pro bono services (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that, in 2021, the Department of Justice began implementing a set of principles and specific recommendations regarding the use of monitors in civil settlement agreements and consent decrees involving state and local governmental entities, including recommendations on term limits, fee caps, and public accountability (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text