Us Congress House Bill HB3769

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/31/23
• Refer: 5/31/23

Caption

Gang Activity Reporting Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, the bill would establish a systematic and comprehensive reporting framework that compiles essential data on gang growth over the past decade, including trends in gang membership, locations, and criminal enterprises. Reports would not only focus on quantitative data but would also require analysis of the methods and networks utilized by gangs in their criminal activities. Furthermore, the legislation would necessitate collaboration between federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies to present a unified front against gang-related violence.

Summary

House Bill 3769, also known as the Gang Activity Reporting Act of 2023, seeks to amend Title 28 of the United States Code to impose a requirement on the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress detailing gang activity, including reporting, investigation, and prosecution efforts. The bill is a response to an alarming rise in violent crime rates, particularly those attributed to gang-related activities, as recent statistics show gangs are responsible for nearly half of all violent crimes in the nation. This legislative initiative aims to ensure policymakers have access to up-to-date data to develop effective and evidence-based crime prevention strategies.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HB3769 are related to concerns about the adequacy of data collection from state and local levels and the effectiveness of federal oversight in tackling gang crime. Critics may raise questions about how the data will be interpreted and used, potentially impacting funding and focus on specific areas of gang-related crime. Additionally, discussions might center around the balance between enhanced data reporting and the risk of further stigmatizing communities disproportionately affected by gang violence. Ensuring that the report's findings lead to constructive policies rather than punitive measures will be a critical aspect of the debate.