HR 475 United States House · 118th Congress

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023

HR 475 creates a federal grant program to help state, tribal, and local governments protect witnesses in serious criminal cases. It authorizes $30 million annually (2024-2028) for competitive grants to fund witness protection programs targeting cases involving homicide, serious violent felonies, drug offenses, gangs, or organized crime. Grants are awarded based on criteria like witness intimidation rates, unprosecuted cases due to intimidation, and local crime statistics. Recipients must report on their programs, leading to the development and nationwide sharing of best practices for witness safety, relocation, and financial/housing assistance.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jan 24, 2023 Last action Jan 24, 2023