Senate bill would bar Jan. 6 assault convicts from federal civil settlements

What does this do?

S 3581 would prevent the federal government from paying civil lawsuit settlements or judgments, drawn from the Judgment Fund, to people convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer during the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach. The restriction applies only when two conditions are both met: the person holds a qualifying assault conviction from that day, and their lawsuit involves harm they claim to have suffered during the Capitol events or their subsequent prosecution.

Who does it affect?

The bill targets a relatively small number of people who were convicted of assault charges related to January 6 and have filed or may file civil claims against the federal government. It does not affect the general public, law enforcement officers, or people convicted of non-assault offenses from that day.

Why does it matter?

People who meet both conditions would be blocked from receiving any Judgment Fund payout, even if they allege harm during the events or their prosecution. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and has not yet become law.

Where does it stand?