Restoring Law and Order on America’s Streets Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 22, 2026
Bottom line
This bill broadens federal civil commitment to include individuals deemed a danger to public safety due to mental illness, specifically targeting behaviors often associated with homelessness.
What it actually does
This bill significantly expands federal civil commitment authority by amending 18 U.S.C. 4248 to include 'persons who are a danger to public safety,' in addition to sexually dangerous persons. It defines this new category based on engagement in certain crimes or behaviors (including urban camping and vandalism) coupled with a serious mental illness that prevents refraining from such acts. The bill also mandates evaluations for homeless individuals in federal custody to determine if they meet these commitment criteria.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue this bill is essential for addressing public safety concerns, particularly in urban areas grappling with crime, homelessness, and visible public disorder. They contend it provides a necessary mechanism to ensure individuals with serious mental illnesses who pose a risk to the community receive treatment and are prevented from re-offending, thereby 'restoring law and order' and improving quality of life for residents.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that this bill criminalizes homelessness and mental illness, potentially leading to the involuntary commitment of vulnerable populations without adequate due process or access to appropriate, voluntary care. They would raise concerns about civil liberties, the potential for discriminatory enforcement, and the effectiveness of involuntary commitment as a solution for complex social issues that require housing and support, not incarceration or institutionalization.
The bill text is very short and can be read quickly, but its far-reaching implications for civil liberties, mental health, and homelessness require significant consideration beyond the text itself.
Section 2(a)(1)-(3)
Expansion of Federal Civil Commitment to 'Danger to Public Safety'
This provision amends existing federal law (18 U.S.C. 4248), which currently allows for the civil commitment of 'sexually dangerous persons.' The bill expands this authority to include 'persons who are a danger to public safety,' allowing for their involuntary commitment if they are deemed to pose a risk to the public due to a serious mental illness. This significantly broadens the scope of individuals who can be subject to federal civil commitment.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this expansion is crucial for public safety, allowing authorities to intervene and provide treatment to individuals who pose a clear and present danger to communities due to their mental condition and past actions, thereby preventing further harm.
Critics contend
Critics contend this broadens the scope of involuntary commitment too far, potentially infringing on civil liberties and leading to the institutionalization of individuals whose primary issue is mental illness rather than a specific, severe threat that cannot be managed through less restrictive means.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances public safety concerns against individual liberty and the right to refuse treatment, raising fundamental questions about the appropriate role of the state in managing mental health and potential threats to public order.
Section 2(b)(1)(C), adding new paragraphs (7) and (8) to 18 U.S.C. 4247(a)
Definition of 'Danger to Public Safety' and Associated Behaviors
This section defines a 'person who is a danger to public safety' as someone who has engaged or attempted to engage in specific acts, including crimes of violence, burglary, robbery, larceny, unlawful possession/use/sale of controlled substances in public, urban camping, or vandalism. It further defines 'danger to the public' as suffering from a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to refrain from these specified behaviors, establishing the criteria for commitment.
Section 2(b)(1)(C), adding new paragraphs (9) and (10) to 18 U.S.C. 4247(a)
Specific Definitions for 'Urban Camping' and 'Urban Squatting'
This provision explicitly defines 'urban camping' as using temporary outdoor shelter for living accommodation for over 24 hours in non-recreational public or private property. 'Urban squatting' is defined as unauthorized use or occupation of vacant buildings, structures, or land. These definitions are critical because these specific behaviors are listed as criteria for being deemed a 'person who is a danger to public safety' under the bill.
Section 2(a)(4), adding new subsection (h) to 18 U.S.C. 4248
Mandatory Evaluation for Homeless Individuals
This provision mandates that the Attorney General or the Director of the Bureau of Prisons must evaluate any person who was homeless immediately prior to entering federal custody or having criminal charges dismissed due to a mental condition. The evaluation is specifically to determine if they should be certified as a 'sexually dangerous person' or a 'person who is a danger to public safety' under the expanded criteria of the bill.