Stop Lawmakers From Predicting Act
Jun 18, 2026
Introduced: Jun 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
Introduced: Jun 18, 2026
Summary
Forbids members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from using prediction markets to bet on government actions or political events.
What problem does this solve?
Lawmakers could use secret government information to unfairly profit by betting on political events. This bill bans them and their families from making such bets and creates fines for those who break the rule.
What does this bill do?
Bans trading on prediction markets
Forbids Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from making deals or bets that depend on government policies, actions, or political outcomes.
Establishes financial penalties for violations
Sets a fine for breaking the rule equal to $2,000 or 10% of the bet's value (whichever is more), plus any money gained from the illegal transaction.
Restricts how fines can be paid
Prohibits using official government funds (like the Members’ Representational Allowance) or campaign donations to pay any fines for violating the ban.
Grants enforcement power to ethics offices
Allows the supervising ethics office to provide guidance, impose fines, and refer former members who don't pay their fines to the Department of Justice for action.
Who does this affect?
- Members of Congress
- Spouses of Members of Congress
- Dependent children of Members of Congress
What is the real world impact?
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Prevents insider trading on political events
Stops lawmakers from using non-public information they learn through their job to make money by betting on the outcomes of government actions, policies, or elections.
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Increases public trust in government
Aims to build confidence in government by removing the appearance that lawmakers are profiting from their positions, ensuring they work for the public good, not personal financial gain.
When does this start?
The rules created by this bill will begin 180 days after it is signed into law.