Harsher Penalties for Financial Fraud by Public Officials
The new LETITIA Act significantly increases prison sentences and fines for public officials who commit bank, mortgage, credit, or tax fraud. This aims to enhance accountability for those in public service and rebuild public trust in government. Citizens can expect public officials to be held to a higher standard for financial crimes.
Key points
Public officials convicted of bank or credit fraud will face higher fines (up to $2 million) and longer prison sentences (up to 40 years), with mandatory minimums.
For falsifying tax filings, public officials will also receive increased fines (up to $200,000) and longer prison terms (up to 10 years), with mandatory minimums.
The Act directs the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury to issue guidelines for more effective prosecution of public officials for these offenses.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2680
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Process start date: 2025-08-02