H.R. 4053: Stop Funding Rioters Act

This bill, titled the "Stop Funding Rioters Act," proposes to prohibit certain individuals from receiving aid or participating in programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, it targets individuals who have been convicted of specific offenses related to assaults on law enforcement officers or felony actions connected to riots that have led to the destruction of small businesses.

Key Provisions

• Ineligibility Criteria: The bill establishes that any person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony assault against a law enforcement officer is ineligible for SBA assistance.
• Riot-Related Convictions: Individuals convicted of a felony during a riot that resulted in property damage to small businesses will also be barred from participating in SBA programs.
• Definition of Small Business: For the purposes of this bill, a "small business concern" is defined according to the guidelines set forth in section 3 of the Small Business Act.

Impact of the Bill

The bill aims to ensure that federal resources, managed by the SBA, do not support individuals who have demonstrated violent behavior in the context of riots or who have harmed law enforcement officials. By restricting access to government assistance, the bill seeks to uphold accountability for actions taken during such events.

Implementation

If this legislation is enacted, the SBA will be required to implement processes to identify and deny assistance to those individuals deemed ineligible under the new law. This may include background checks during the application process for SBA programs.

Potential Controversies

While the bill focuses on individuals who have committed certain crimes, discussions surrounding its implications may arise, particularly regarding the definitions of the offenses and the potential impact on individuals who might be seeking support to rebuild or initiate businesses.

Relevant Companies

None found.