July 20, 2026
Ms. Pettersen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 28 to include additional limitations on the intentional tort exception, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Weaponization Offender Claims Ban Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Exceptions
Section 2680(h) of title 28, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking Any claim
and inserting (1) Any claim
;
(2)
by inserting subject to paragraph (2),
before with regard to acts
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
A private individual may only bring such a claim if such individual has not been convicted of (without regard to whether that person was pardoned or any sentence entered against that person was commuted)—
(A)
assault or battery against a Federal law enforcement officer;
(B)
an offense related to interference with the administration, certification, or counting of a Federal election;
(C)
an offense related to obstruction, interference, or unlawful influence over a Federal governmental process;
(D)
any felony offense related to any confrontation with a Federal law enforcement officer; or
(E)
any felony offense involving theft, embezzlement, misuse of Federal funds, obstruction of Federal oversight or investigative activities, or interference with appropriations or budgetary processes.