WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 32 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-109

LACA

Became lawLaw
IntroducedJan 8, 2025
Passed SenateFeb 12, 2025
Passed HouseAug 31, 2026
To PresidentSep 14, 2026
Became lawSep 16, 2026

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

S. 32 changed 2 sections of existing law. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

28 U.S.C. 124 Texas

  • (b) The Southern District comprises seven divisions. changed · Sec. 2 · see the words

28 U.S.C. 84 California

  • (d) The Southern District comprises the counties of Imperial and San Diego. changed · Sec. 3 · see the words
What the words changed: every change, in place (2)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 28 U.S.C. 124(b)(2)changedby S. 32 Sec. 2

    The bill says: Section 124(b)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (3), by inserting "and College Station" before the period at the end.

    Bill text · Current law (28 U.S.C. 124)

  2. 28 U.S.C. 84(d)changedby S. 32 Sec. 3

    The bill says: Section 84(d) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by inserting "and El Centro" after "at San Diego".

    Bill text · Current law (28 U.S.C. 84)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

Local Access to Courts Act or LACA

This act adds College Station to the list of places where court must be held in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas.

Additionally, the act adds El Centro to the list of places where court must be held in the Southern District of California.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Sep 16, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. 2026-09-16Became Public Law No: 119-109.Library of Congress
  2. 2026-09-16Signed by President.Library of Congress
  3. 2026-09-14Presented to President.Library of Congress
  4. 2026-08-31Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 378 - 10 (Roll no. 285). (text: CR H5272) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  5. 2025-02-12Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
  6. 2025-01-08Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show all 23 recorded actions

After it became law

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Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-109 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

Recorded votes

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Aug 31, 2026 · House roll call 285 · needed 2/3

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Passed 378–10

R 186 yes, 10 no, 21 present or not votingI 1 yes, 0 noD 191 yes, 0 no, 21 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

  • Alex Padilla D-CA