Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB37

Introduced
1/24/23  

Caption

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Justice to award competitive matching grants to state, local, and tribal governments to establish or maintain witness protection programs in cases involving (1) a homicide, serious violent felony, or serious drug offense; or (2) gangs or organized crime.

Impact

The implementation of SB37 is expected to bolster the legal infrastructure surrounding witness protection services across the nation. By providing necessary funding to local and state governments, the bill seeks to address the disparities in witness protection capabilities, especially in areas with a high prevalence of organized crime. State and local governments will receive financial support that can cover up to 75 percent of the costs, thus facilitating the creation of robust programs that will directly enhance witness safety and encourage testimony in criminal proceedings.

Summary

Senate Bill 37, titled the 'Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023', aims to enhance the safety of witnesses involved in serious criminal cases, involving homicides, serious violent felonies, or organized crime. The bill mandates the Attorney General to provide competitive grants to state, local, and tribal governments to establish or maintain witness protection programs. This initiative is particularly crucial in jurisdictions facing high rates of witness intimidation and violent crime, where the ability to secure witness cooperation is vital for successful prosecutions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on public safety and the ability to prosecute serious crimes, there remains some contention regarding its reliance on federal grants and potential administrative burdens. Critics may argue that local jurisdictions might struggle to meet the matching funds requirement or navigate the grant application process effectively. Additionally, there could be concerns over the adequacy of these programs regardless of funding, especially in jurisdictions with limited resources. The bill may lead to discussions on the effectiveness of witness protection in environments where witness intimidation is systematic, highlighting the need for both legislative and grassroots efforts in crime control.

Companion Bills

US HB475

Related bill Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Justice to award competitive matching grants to state, local, and tribal governments to establish or maintain witness protection programs in cases involving (1) a homicide, serious violent felony, or serious drug offense; or (2) gangs or organized crime.

Previously Filed As

US HB475

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Justice to award competitive matching grants to state, local, and tribal governments to establish or maintain witness protection programs in cases involving (1) a homicide, serious violent felony, or serious drug offense; or (2) gangs or organized crime.

US HB320

Safer Streets Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Justice to award grants to units of local governments and neighborhood or community-based organizations in jurisdictions with high rates of violent crime. Grants may be used to support law enforcement purposes or community violence prevention purposes, such as hiring additional officers, acquiring surveillance equipment, and promoting prevention programs.

US HB304

Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering Our Communities Act or the SERVE Our Communities Act This bill authorizes the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to states and local governments for mentoring, transitional services, and training to help offenders successfully reintegrate back into the community after incarceration. To be eligible for a grant, a state or local government must take steps to prevent repeat offenses by violent offenders and allow a state court or magistrate to consider the danger an individual poses to the community when determining bail or pretrial release conditions.

US HB355

Back the Blue Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer. Additionally, the bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder; broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; and limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge. Finally, it directs the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies and nongovernmental organizations to promote trust and improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

US SB321

Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023

US HB3018

Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2023

US HB52

Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish voluntary best practices for safe firearm storage solely for the purpose of public education. DOJ must give at least 90 days public notice and afford an opportunity for a hearing before establishing such best practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to award grants for the development, implementation, and evaluation of Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Programs. The bill also provides for a new tax credit through 2030 for 10% of amounts received from the retail sale of a safe firearm storage device for use in the United States.

US HB3599

DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 American Promise Act Transnational Criminal Organization Prevention and Elimination Act Protecting Sensitive Locations Act Dream Act Legal Workforce Act American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act American Dream and Promise Act Border Security for America Act

US HB1649

EAGLE Act of 2023 Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement Act of 2023

US SB567

Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023

Similar Bills

IL SB3671

STATES ATTY-PEACE OFCR-PRIVACY

IL SB2087

STATES ATTY-PEACE OFCR-PRIVACY

CA SB605

State attorneys and administrative law judges: compensation.

CA AB1163

Minors: power of attorney to care for a minor child.

CA SB1109

Adoption.

CA SB710

District attorneys: conflicts of interest.

CA AB2083

Public utilities: rates.

CA AB894

Attorney General: directors and employees: exemption from civil service.