Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act
Congress Proposes Cutting Federal Grants for Cities That Limit Cash Bail for Violent Crimes
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill, introduced by Ms. Stefanik, would stop the federal government from giving certain justice grants to states or cities that limit the use of cash bail. These grants are a major source of federal money used by local police departments and court systems.
- To keep receiving this money, local governments would be required to allow cash bail for people charged with specific crimes. This includes violent acts like murder, rape, and robbery, as well as other offenses like looting, vandalism, and fleeing from police officers.
- The policy aims to discourage local governments from releasing people accused of dangerous crimes back into the community without requiring them to pay money to stay out of jail while waiting for their trial.
- If this bill becomes law, the new rules would take effect on the first October 1 after it is signed. Any city or state that has laws 'substantially limiting' cash bail for these specific crimes would lose their eligibility for these federal funds.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 10.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
5 articlesElise Stefanik pushes bill to end cashless bail across the country
Rep. Elise Stefanik introduced the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act to prohibit federal justice grants to states or local governments that limit cash bail for serious offenses. The bill targets jurisdictions with 'soft-on-crime' policies that release violent offenders without bail.
Stefanik, Blackburn push bills to end cashless bail nationwide
The Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act would cut off federal funding for local governments that support cashless bail policies. Supporters argue the move is a response to rising crime, while critics say the system unfairly punishes low-income defendants.
GOP senator introduces bill to cut off funding for states with cashless bail
The Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act would bar Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants from going to states or cities that restrict cash bail for certain offenses. The bill defines covered offenses to include murder, rape, robbery, carjacking, and burglary.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.