H.R. 5213: Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act

This bill, known as the "Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act," aims to amend existing legislation related to justice funding. It proposes a specific condition for receiving certain federal grants related to crime control and public safety. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Prohibition on Grant Awards

The bill states that the U.S. Attorney General cannot award, renew, or extend grants from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants to any state or local government that limits the use of cash bail for individuals charged with serious criminal offenses.

Definition of Covered Offenses

A "covered offense" is defined as a criminal act that poses a significant threat to public safety and order. This includes:

• Violent or sexual acts, such as:
  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Sexual assault
  • Carjacking
  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Assault
• Acts that promote public disorder, including:
  • Looting
  • Vandalism
  • Destruction of property
  • Rioting or inciting to riot
  • Fleeing from law enforcement officers

Implementation Timeline

The provisions of the bill would take effect starting from the fiscal year that begins on October 1 following the bill's enactment. This means any related policies would need to be in compliance by that date to continue receiving grant funding.

Impact on States and Local Governments

The bill directly affects states and local governments that currently have policies significantly limiting cash bail for individuals charged with the specified offenses. Those entities would potentially lose federal funding if they do not comply with the conditions set by the bill.

Relevant Companies

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