Bill > HR5477

This bill, known as the Litigation Reimbursement Act, makes two significant changes to how attorneys' fees are awarded in legal proceedings. First, in criminal cases where a trial concludes without a conviction, the bill requires courts to award reasonable attorneys' fees and litigation expenses to the prevailing party (excluding the United States government), instead of the current discretionary approach that only allows such awards in cases deemed vexatious, frivolous, or in bad faith. Second, the bill amends civil litigation rules to mandate (rather than allowing discretion) the awarding of costs and fees in certain types of legal cases. The bill updates the effective fiscal year from 1998 to 2026 and changes the language around when these fee provisions apply. By shifting from permissive ("may") to mandatory ("shall") language, the bill aims to provide greater financial protection for defendants who are found not guilty or prevail in civil litigation, potentially helping to offset the significant legal costs individuals can incur when defending themselves in court.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5477/all-info