hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Prohibits sex offenders from federally funded shelters, penalizes non-compliance.
Introduced by Rep. Mace, referred to Financial Services Committee.
Introduced in the House, awaiting committee review.
This bill, H.R. 7624, aims to prevent registered sex offenders from using or entering domestic violence and homeless shelters that receive federal money. Shelters that do not follow this rule could lose their federal funding, and sex offenders who violate it could face fines or jail time. The bill was introduced by Representative Mace and is currently with the House Committee on Financial Services, which means it is in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
Introduced Feb 20, 2026
H.R. 7624 was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 20, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services. For the bill to become law, it must first be considered and approved by this committee. If it passes committee, it would then need to be voted on and passed by the full House, then sent to the Senate for their approval, and finally signed into law by the President.
If this bill passes, federally funded domestic violence and homeless shelters would be legally prohibited from providing services or shelter to individuals on the National Sex Offender Registry. Any shelter found not complying with this new rule could have its federal funding cut for the following year. For registered sex offenders, entering or using the services of these specific shelters would become illegal, potentially leading to fines, up to five years in prison, or both, if they do not immediately notify staff or seek information on non-covered shelters.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue this bill protects vulnerable individuals in shelters by keeping registered sex offenders out, making these environments safer.
Critics Say
Critics might question where registered sex offenders, who are also homeless or victims of domestic violence, are supposed to go for help.
Those in favor of the bill would likely highlight the safety and security of survivors of domestic violence and homeless individuals as the primary benefit, arguing that individuals on the sex offender registry pose a significant risk. Opponents, however, might point out that homeless registered sex offenders also require shelter and services, and this bill could push them into less supervised or more dangerous situations, or make it harder for them to access basic necessities. They might also raise concerns about the financial burden on shelters to verify registrants and the practicalities of enforcement.