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HR 7491ReferredFederalhouse

Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

Introduced February 11, 2026Last action February 11, 2026
View official bill

Legislative Progress

Introduced
Referred
Committee
Floor Vote
Passed Chamber
Passed Both
Enrolled
Signed

Plain English Summary

AI-generated

Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

Based on the bill's title and available information, this legislation appears to address the right of criminal defendants to receive adequate legal representation in cases involving digital evidence and technology. In the modern legal system, prosecutors increasingly rely on complex digital evidence — such as data from smartphones, computers, social media, and surveillance systems — and this bill likely aims to ensure that defense attorneys have the tools, training, or resources needed to properly understand and challenge that type of evidence on behalf of their clients.

The bill would likely affect people who are accused of crimes and represented by defense lawyers, particularly those who cannot afford high-priced private attorneys with specialized technology expertise. It may also impact public defenders, court-appointed lawyers, and potentially the courts themselves by setting new standards or providing resources related to handling digital evidence in criminal cases.

It is worth noting that very limited official details are available for this bill, as no formal description has been provided and it is in the early stages of the legislative process, having only been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The summary above is based solely on the bill's title. Readers are encouraged to seek out the full bill text once it becomes available for a more complete and accurate understanding of its specific provisions and requirements.

This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

February 11, 2026

Sponsor

R
Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]DPA

Committees

the Judiciary

Legislative History

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Feb 11, 2026

Introduced in House

Feb 11, 2026

Introduced in House

Feb 11, 2026