2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Jan 22, 2025)

Technical and procedural updates only. The later version (v2) updates the bill's short title to "Local Access to Courts Act of 2026" and reflects its reporting out of committee with standard formatting changes. No substantive policy changes were made to the provisions clarifying court locations in Texas and California.

H.R. 625119th CongressIntroduced Jan 22, 2025

LACA of 2026

Reported To HouseLawSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Committees: Judiciary Committee (primary)
Last action: Aug 27, 2026

Bottom line

H.R. 625 expands the geographic reach of federal district courts by authorizing new court locations in College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California, to enhance local access to justice.

What it actually does

This bill amends federal law to designate two new locations where federal district courts may be held: College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California. Specifically, it modifies Title 28 of the U.S. Code to add these cities to the list of authorized court locations within their respective federal judicial districts. The change aims to improve local access to federal judicial services for residents in these areas.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill will significantly improve access to federal courts for residents, litigants, and legal professionals in College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California, by reducing travel burdens and associated costs. They contend that bringing federal judicial services closer to these communities will enhance the efficiency of the justice system and ensure more equitable access for all citizens.

Opponents contend

Critics might raise concerns about the potential for increased operational costs and resource allocation challenges associated with establishing or expanding federal court operations in new locations without explicit funding mechanisms. They may question whether the caseload in these specific areas justifies the administrative burden and expense of new court facilities, potentially diverting resources from existing, higher-need judicial centers.

The bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for consideration of its implications.

Section 2

Organization of Texas District Courts

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends Section 124(b)(2) of Title 28, United States Code, which outlines the organization of Texas district courts. It specifically adds "and College Station" to the list of places where court may be held within the Southern District of Texas. This change legally authorizes federal judicial proceedings to take place in College Station, providing a local venue for federal cases.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupResidents of College Station, Texas, and surrounding areasImpactIncreased access to federal courtsMechanismReduced travel distance and time to attend federal court proceedingsScaleLocal to regional

GroupLegal professionals in College StationImpactNew opportunities for practice and reduced travelMechanismAbility to practice federal law locally without extensive travel to other court locationsScaleLocal

Supporters argue

Proponents argue that adding College Station as a court location will significantly enhance access to justice for a growing population center, reducing the burden on litigants, witnesses, and attorneys who currently must travel to other cities for federal court matters.

Critics contend

Opponents, if any, might argue that establishing new court locations could strain judicial resources, requiring additional judges, staff, and facilities, which may not be justified by the current caseload or could be more efficiently handled by existing court infrastructure.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the benefit of increased local access to justice against the potential costs and logistical challenges of expanding federal court infrastructure and staffing.

Section 3

Organization of California District Courts

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends Section 84(d) of Title 28, United States Code, which pertains to the organization of California district courts. It inserts "and El Centro" after "at San Diego," thereby adding El Centro as an authorized location for holding federal court within the Southern District of California. This change aims to provide a more accessible federal court venue for the Imperial Valley region.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Jan 22, 2025)

H.R. 625119th CongressIntroduced Jan 22, 2025

LACA of 2026

Reported To HouseLawSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Committees: Judiciary Committee (primary)
Last action: Aug 27, 2026

Bottom line

H.R. 625 expands the geographic reach of federal district courts by authorizing new court locations in College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California, to enhance local access to justice.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for consideration of its implications.

Section 2

Organization of Texas District Courts

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the benefit of increased local access to justice against the potential costs and logistical challenges of expanding federal court infrastructure and staffing.

Section 3

Organization of California District Courts

prominently featuredstraightforward