Analyst Brief August 31, 2026

S. 32 — LACA

Current Status

Passed the Senate February 12, 2025

Executive Summary

The Local Access to Courts Act (LACA) amends Title 28 of the United States Code to officially authorize federal district courts to hold proceedings in two new locations: College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California. Under the status quo, residents, attorneys, and federal law enforcement officers in these regions must travel significant distances to access the nearest federal courthouse (e.g., traveling from El Centro to San Diego). By designating these new locations, the bill aims to reduce travel burdens, improve local access to the federal judicial system, and increase logistical efficiency for agencies operating in these growing areas.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Not specified in engrossed text

Bill Number

S. 32

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

None

View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

Access to Justice: Significantly reduces travel time and costs for citizens, jurors, and local attorneys in the College Station and El Centro regions who currently have to commute to distant federal courthouses.
Law Enforcement Efficiency: Reduces the logistical and financial burden on federal agencies (such as Customs and Border Protection near El Centro) that frequently transport detainees or appear in federal court.
Bipartisan Geographic Balance: Pairs a judicial expansion in a predominantly conservative state (Texas) with one in a predominantly liberal state (California), ensuring broad bipartisan appeal.

Likely Supporters

Local Bar Associations (Texas and California)Federal Law Enforcement Officers AssociationLocal Chambers of Commerce (College Station, El Centro)

Arguments Against

Fiscal Impact: Officially designating new court locations often leads to future requests for federal appropriations to lease, build, or secure new courthouse facilities.
Judicial Strain: Without the authorization of new federal judgeships, requiring existing judges to travel to and hear cases in additional locations could temporarily strain judicial resources and scheduling.

Likely Opponents

Fiscal conservative watchdog groups (if new construction funding is subsequently requested)

📋 Key Provisions

Amends 28 U.S.C. 124(b)(2) to authorize federal district court proceedings to be held in College Station, Texas.
Amends 28 U.S.C. 84(d) to authorize federal district court proceedings to be held in El Centro, California.

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Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 7

Authorizes court to be held in College Station, Texas.

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"serting “and College Station” before"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 10

Authorizes court to be held in El Centro, California.