H.R. 8611: Logan's Law

This bill, known as Logan's Law, seeks to create a publicly accessible database that catalogs individuals with convictions for violent crimes. Here are the main points of the proposed legislation:

Creation of a Violent Criminal Offender Database

The Attorney General is mandated to establish a Violent Criminal Offender Database within 180 days of the bill’s enactment. This database will include:

• Records of individuals with qualifying convictions from both Federal and State sources.
• Information collected from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, when feasible.
• Access for the public at no charge.
• A searchable format by various criteria including name, address, date of birth, sex, race, nationality, citizenship status, type of conviction, probation status, jurisdiction, and details of sentencing.

Definitions

Key terms are defined in the bill to clarify what constitutes a qualifying conviction. A qualifying conviction is one that:

• Is punishable by imprisonment for more than 180 days, regardless of the actual sentence.
• Involves the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person or property, or poses a substantial risk of such force being used.

Convictions that have been expunged, pardoned, or are otherwise rendered legally inoperative are excluded from the database.

State Participation and Compliance

States receiving funding from the Byrne JAG grant program must submit data regarding qualifying convictions to the Attorney General within a specified timeframe. If a State does not comply:

• They will not receive future funds from the Byrne JAG grant program.
• Funds may instead be distributed directly to local governments in the State at the Attorney General's discretion.

Database Updates

The database will be updated at least quarterly, ensuring that records remain current. Individuals previously listed will be removed if their convictions are no longer considered qualifying due to expungement or pardon.

Federal Efforts to Increase Data Sharing

Additionally, the Attorney General is required to submit a report within 180 days after the bill becomes law, which will address:

• The current processes for sharing criminal records between states and with the federal government.
• Any barriers that prevent effective information sharing.
• Recommendations to improve data sharing and ensure that repeat offenders are properly monitored and sentenced.

Relevant Companies

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