Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · House Jan 14, 2025

HR 395: Justice for Rape Survivors Act

HR 395, the Justice for Rape Survivors Act, mandates a minimum 30-year prison sentence for individuals convicted of aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse under federal law. It directly affects those found guilty of these specific crimes by replacing current sentencing language with a fixed 30-year minimum term. The bill amends Title 18, United States Code, sections 2241 (aggravated sexual abuse) and 2242 (sexual abuse), requiring courts to impose at least 30 years in prison or life imprisonment for these offenses. This policy change increases the minimum sentence for these crimes without altering the definitions of the offenses themselves.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates 30-year minimum sentence for sexual abuse, increasing mandatory sentencing without rehabilitation focus95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Sentencing Victims' Rights

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 10, 2026

S 3824: State Authority to Protect Civil Rights

This bill amends federal laws (Sections 241 and 242 of Title 18, U.S. Code) to allow state attorneys general to file civil lawsuits in federal court when residents suffer harm from rights violations. Specifically, it permits state AGs to sue on behalf of affected residents (as "parens patriae") if they believe someone experienced bodily injury, serious injury, or death due to conspiracy or deprivation of rights under color of law. The bill enables courts to grant relief like injunctions or damages if the defendant acted maliciously, oppressively, or recklessly. It directly affects state attorneys general and residents who experience such rights violations. The changes expand state enforcement authority under existing federal civil rights laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill empowers state AGs to sue for rights violations under color of law, directly enhancing police accountability and civil rights protections within criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Tags Civil Liberties

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3798: Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026

The Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026 creates new federal criminal penalties for crimes targeting ATMs and people using or servicing them. It makes it a crime to use force, violence, or intimidation to rob, extort, or assault ATM users, servicers, or those delivering cash to ATMs, with penalties up to 25 years for violent acts or killings. The law also sets higher penalties for breaking into ATMs to steal over $1,000 (up to 10 years) versus lesser thefts (up to 1 year), and defines "ATM" broadly to include all network-connected machines owned by banks or credit unions. It updates existing bank robbery law to include "conspires to take" and clarify that "force or violence" applies to such offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for ATM crimes (up to 25 years), aligning with 'oppose' indicators of higher mandatory sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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in committee · United States · House May 5, 2025

HR 3178: Save Healthcare Workers Act

HR 3178, the Save Healthcare Workers Act, creates a new federal crime for assaulting hospital staff while they are performing their duties, with penalties including fines and up to 10 years in prison (up to 20 years for aggravated cases involving weapons or injuries). The bill directly affects hospital employees - including nurses, doctors, and support staff - across all covered facilities (such as emergency rooms, long-term care centers, and children’s hospitals) by criminalizing violence that disrupts patient care. It also establishes a $25 million annual grant program (2025-2034) to help hospitals implement safety measures like staff de-escalation training, security technology, and coordination with local law enforcement. These provisions aim to address workplace violence in healthcare settings, which the bill cites as a growing problem affecting service delivery and staff retention.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates new federal crime with enhanced penalties (up to 10 years) for assaulting healthcare workers, directly strengthening criminal justice enforcement for this specific offense.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects healthcare workers from violence, ensuring safer environments for patient care delivery and strengthening healthcare system stability.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCriminalizes assault on healthcare workers, directly protecting workplace safety rights for nurses, doctors, and staff in covered facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Healthcare Workforce Hospitals Long-Term Care

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 3731: Cost of Police Misconduct Act of 2026

This bill requires federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies receiving Byrne JAG funding to collect and report detailed data on settlements and judgments related to officer misconduct. Agencies must track specifics like the type of misconduct (e.g., use of force, racial profiling), demographics of involved officers and civilians, settlement amounts, funding sources, and personnel actions. The Attorney General will compile this data into a public, searchable database and issue annual reports with recommendations for reducing misconduct. Non-compliant state/local agencies face up to a 10% reduction in Byrne JAG funding. The bill mandates a GAO study after two years of data collection to analyze trends and costs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates transparency in police misconduct data collection, enhancing accountability and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · United States · Senate May 14, 2025

S 1766: Protect Our Heroes Act of 2025

S 1766, the Protect Our Heroes Act of 2025, creates new federal crimes for killing or assaulting law enforcement officers, firefighters, and judicial staff (including those funded by federal grants from state/local agencies) during or related to their official duties. It mandates minimum 10-year sentences for killing such officers (life imprisonment if death results) and imposes tiered prison terms for assaults (2-20 years based on injury severity), with enhanced penalties for using deadly weapons or luring victims. The law applies when attacks involve interstate travel, commerce, or weapons crossing state lines. This bill directly affects federally funded public safety personnel nationwide by strengthening federal prosecution for targeted violence against them.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new federal crimes for assaults on officers/firefighters and mandates minimum 10-year sentences, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 28, 2025

S 285: Fairness for Crime Victims Act of 2025

The Fairness for Crime Victims Act of 2025 requires that the Crime Victims Fund - used to support victims of crime, particularly child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence - be maintained at or above a three-year average funding level in annual appropriations bills. It adds a procedural rule in both the Senate and House to block any provision that would reduce the fund below this average, unless the reduction is under $2 billion. This rule aims to prevent Congress from withholding funds collected from convicted criminals (which have historically been underdisbursed, with over $10 billion withheld since 2000) and ensures consistent funding for victim services. The bill does not alter the fund’s purpose but enforces existing law by requiring full disbursement of collected funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPrevents funding cuts to Crime Victims Fund, ensuring minimum annual appropriations for essential victim services per bill's procedural rule.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMaintains funding for crime victim services (child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence), directly supporting victim protection within criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Domestic Violence Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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in committee · United States · House Jun 17, 2025

HR 4040: SALONS Stories Act

HR 4040, the SALONS Stories Act, increases federal grants for states that require cosmetologists and barbers to complete free domestic violence prevention training as part of their licensing process. This training, provided by anti-domestic violence nonprofits, teaches professionals to recognize signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and refer clients to support resources. States with such laws can receive up to a 10% grant increase under the Omnibus Crime Control Act, with funding capped at $5 million annually from 2026-2032. The bill directly affects states implementing this training mandate, beauty industry professionals, and domestic violence survivors seeking help during salon services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates domestic violence prevention training for cosmetologists/barbers via state licensing, aligning with criminal justice reform through early intervention and victim support under Omnibus Crime Control Act funding.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases federal grants for states requiring domestic violence prevention training for cosmetologists and barbers, supporting mental health and public health initiatives by improving recognition of abuse signs and referrals to support resour...75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety by requiring domestic violence prevention training for cosmetologists and barbers, protecting workers from potential harm and improving workplace security.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Victims' Rights

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in committee · United States · House Apr 7, 2025

HR 2668: DART Act of 2025

HR 2668, the DART Act of 2025, expands federal funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to support state and local diversion and rehabilitation programs instead of incarceration. It allows JAG funds to cover pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release rehabilitation services, directly affecting local justice systems and individuals facing the criminal justice system. The bill creates a National Diversion and Rehabilitation Clearinghouse to share evidence-based practices, provide technical assistance, and promote trauma-informed approaches. These changes aim to reduce recidivism by addressing root causes like addiction and mental health, shifting focus from incarceration to treatment and community-based solutions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands JAG funding for diversion/rehab instead of incarceration, directly advancing criminal justice reform through rehabilitation programs and reducing reliance on incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole

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in committee · United States · House Feb 14, 2025

HR 1379: Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025

This bill allows survivors of human trafficking to seek court orders to vacate convictions or expunge arrests related to non-violent crimes they committed while being trafficked. Survivors can file motions supported by affidavits from anti-trafficking service providers, and courts must determine if the crime was directly caused by trafficking. It applies to all past and future cases, including retroactive relief for convictions, and adds a new "human trafficking defense" in criminal trials. The law requires annual reports tracking how many survivors use this relief and the outcomes of their cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables expungement of trafficking-related convictions, protects survivors' rights, and introduces a trafficking defense - directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing barriers to reintegration.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationHelps trafficking survivors (often immigrants) clear convictions related to trafficking, protecting their rights and access to services by removing legal barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

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