Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 requires the federal government to provide free legal counsel to unaccompanied children in immigration removal proceedings. Under the bill, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must appoint or provide lawyers to represent these children throughout their immigration cases, starting as early as possible after the child is placed in federal custody or issued a notice to appear in court. The bill also requires children to receive notice of their right to counsel within 72 hours of being taken into custody and guarantees access to counsel inside all detention facilities. Additionally, the legislation mandates that children receive copies of their complete immigration files at least seven days before their removal hearings, and requires the government to prioritize recruiting pro bono attorneys to provide representation without cost to the children. The bill authorizes whatever funding is necessary for the Office of Refugee Resettlement to implement these requirements and mandates annual reports to Congress on how many unaccompanied children are receiving legal representation.
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