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. 2026-09-16Became Public Law No: 119-109.Library of Congress
  3. 2026-09-16Signed by President.Library of Congress
  4. 2026-09-16Signed by President.Library of Congress
  5. 2026-09-14Presented to President.House floor actions
  6. 2026-09-14Presented to President.Library of Congress
  7. 2026-08-31Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  8. 2026-08-31On 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 recordHouse floor actions
  9. 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
  10. 2026-08-31Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5347-5348)House floor actions
  11. 2026-08-31At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
  12. 2026-08-31DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 32.House floor actions
  13. 2026-08-31Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5272-5273)House floor actions
  14. 2026-08-31Mr. Schmidt moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
  15. 2025-02-13Held at the desk.House floor actions
  16. 2025-02-13Received in the House.House floor actions
  17. 2025-02-13Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
  18. 2025-02-12Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S932; text: CR S932)Senate
  19. 2025-02-12Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
  20. 2025-02-12Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.Senate
  21. 2025-02-12Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
  22. 2025-01-08Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.Senate
  23. 2025-01-08Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

After it became law

Sourced

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