Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

Hozzl · 2026-02-20T16:45:53Z

Explore the details of House Bill 7491 Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Crime and Law Enforcement. Stay informed on legislative developments.

2/20/2026, 4:45 PM

Summary of Bill HR 7491

The bill, titled "To regulate monitoring of electronic communications between an incarcerated person in a Bureau of Prisons facility and that person's attorney or other legal representative, and for other purposes," was introduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 7491 on February 11, 2026. The purpose of the bill is to establish regulations regarding the monitoring of electronic communications between inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities and their attorneys or legal representatives, in addition to addressing other related matters not specified in the context provided.

Congressional Summary of HR 7491

Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

This bill prohibits the Department of Justice from monitoring the contents of a privileged electronic communication between an incarcerated person and his or her legal representative.

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Current Status of Bill HR 7491

Bill HR 7491 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 11, 2026. Bill HR 7491 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 11, 2026. Bill HR 7491's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of February 11, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7491

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7491

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7491

To regulate monitoring of electronic communications between an incarcerated person in a Bureau of Prisons facility and that person's attorney or other legal representative, and for other purposes.