National Blue Alert Act of 2012

Bill: 112-hr-365
Sponsor: Rep. Grimm, Michael G. [R-NY-13]
Introduced: 2011-01-20 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Criminal justice information and records
Emergency communications systems
Law enforcement administration and funding
Law enforcement officers
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-20
text: 
National Blue Alert Act of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, and (2) assign a DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network. Sets forth the duties of the national coordinator, including encouraging states and local governments to develop additional Blue Alert plans, establishing voluntary guidelines for states and local governments to use in developing such plans, developing protocols for efforts to apprehend suspects, and establishing an advisory group to assist states, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other entities in initiating, facilitating, and promoting Blue Alert plans. 
 
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to require the use of public safety and community policing grants to assist states in developing and enhancing a Blue Alert plan and communications network. 

action_date: 2012-05-15
text: 
National Blue Alert Act of 2012 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, in coordination with federal, state, and local Blue Alert plans; and (2) assign an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network.
 
Sets forth the duties of the national coordinator, including: (1) providing assistance to states and local governments that are using Blue Alert plans; (2) establishing voluntary guidelines for states and local governments to use in developing such plans; (3) developing protocols for efforts to apprehend suspects; (4) working with states to ensure appropriate regional coordination of various elements of the network; (5) establishing an advisory group to assist states, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other entities in initiating, facilitating, and promoting Blue Alert plans; (6) acting as the nationwide point of contact for the development of the network and the regional coordination of Blue Alerts through the network; and (7) determining what procedures and practices are in use for notifying law enforcement and the public when a law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty and which of the procedures and practices are effective and that do not require the expenditure of additional resources to implement. 
 
Requires the guidelines to: (1) provide that appropriate information relating to a Blue Alert is disseminated to officials of law enforcement, public health, and other agencies; and (2) provide mechanisms that ensure that Blue Alerts comply with all applicable federal, state, and local privacy laws and regulations and include standards that specifically provide for the protection of the civil liberties of law enforcement officers and their families. 
 
Directs the coordinator to annually submit a report on the coordinator's activities and the effectiveness and status of the Blue Alert plans that are in effect or being developed.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2012-05-16
text: Received in the Senate.
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 1 (Roll no. 250). (text: CR H2673-2674)
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 1 (Roll no. 250).(text: CR H2673-2674)
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2693-2694)
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 365.
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2673-2676)
action_date: 2012-05-15
text: Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2012-05-11
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 334.
action_date: 2012-05-11
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 112-478.
action_date: 2012-05-11
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 112-478.
action_date: 2012-04-25
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2012-04-25
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2012-04-19
text: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Discharged.
action_date: 2011-02-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2011-01-20
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2011-01-20
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2011-01-20
text: Introduced in House