Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions ActThis bill specifies that no funds or property received through equitable sharing by a state or local law enforcement agency with the authority to prosecute a criminal case may be used to investigate or prosecute a current or former President or Vice President, or a candidate for the office of President.

Impact

The impact of HB 118 would be significant on existing state laws concerning the financial management of law enforcement agencies. By preventing the allocation of forfeited funds toward political prosecutions, the bill may limit how jurisdictions can financially pursue investigations that involve high-profile political figures. This could mean a change in strategies for local law enforcement agencies, potentially diverting attention and resources towards less politically charged investigations as they may lose a source of funding for these high-profile cases. The bill may also set a precedent for how future investigations are conducted based on the financial resources available.

Summary

House Bill 118, titled the 'No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions Act', seeks to restrict the use of forfeited funds received by state or local law enforcement agencies through equitable sharing arrangements. Specifically, the bill prohibits these agencies from using such funds to investigate or prosecute high-level federal officials, including the President, Vice President, former officeholders, or candidates for presidency. This legislative measure aims to create a legal barrier between the use of certain financial resources and politically sensitive investigations, thereby shaping the operational scope of law enforcement at the state and local levels.

Contention

Notably, there are points of contention surrounding this bill, as it raises questions about the balance of power and accountability within law enforcement. Supporters of the bill argue that it prevents the misuse of federal resources for political purposes, suggesting it will ensure a fairer judicial process. Conversely, opponents might view this restriction as a means to protect political figures from scrutiny, potentially undermining the rule of law. Discussions surrounding HB 118 suggest a deep ideological divide on issues of law enforcement authority and the intersections of politics and justice.

Congress_id

119-HR-8

Policy_area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2582

No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions Act

US HB387

District of Columbia Prosecutor Home Rule Act This bill shifts the responsibility for prosecuting violations of the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the District of Columbia (DC) to a local prosecutor's office. Currently, the responsibility for prosecuting such violations is shared between DC and the federal government.

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 HB464

Separation of Powers Restoration Act This bill restricts the ability of the President to exercise certain powers, such as declaring a national emergency. Specifically, the bill terminates all powers and authorities possessed by the President, any executive agency, or any federal officer that derive from a declaration of national emergency. It eliminates any statutory grant of authority allowing the President or any other officer or employee of the executive branch to declare a national emergency, specifying that such power is vested solely in Congress. Furthermore, for each presidential order (i.e., executive order, presidential proclamation, presidential directive, or similar presidential or executive branch instructions), the President must include a statement specifying the statutory or constitutional provision that grants the President the authority to issue the order. It also limits the effect of a presidential order to the executive branch, with certain exceptions, such as if the order cites the specific congressional enactment from which it derives its authority. The bill provides standing to challenge the validity of presidential orders to (1) certain federal, state, and local officials; and (2) persons adversely affected by the order. This bill also repeals the War Powers Resolution, a joint resolution that outlines procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send Armed Forces into hostilities.

US HB27

Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act This bill requires certain state and local prosecutors to report data on criminal referrals and outcomes of cases involving murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson, or any offense involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm. The reporting requirement applies to state and local prosecutors in a jurisdiction with 380,000 or more persons that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. The report must contain data on cases referred for prosecution, cases declined for prosecution, cases resulting in a plea agreement with the defendant, cases initiated against defendants with previous arrests or convictions, and defendants charged who were released or eligible for bail.

US SB4593

No More Political Prosecutions Act of 2024

US HB2553

No More Political Prosecutions Act

US HB8489

Presidential Ethics Reform Act

US HB6885

Presidential Ballot Integrity Act

US HJR193

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that there is no immunity from criminal prosecution for an act on the grounds that such act was within the constitutional authority or official duties of an individual, and providing that the President may not grant a pardon to himself or herself.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.