Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018

Bill: 115-hr-3249
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Comstock, Barbara [R-VA-10]
Introduced: 2017-07-14
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Crime prevention

Drug trafficking and controlled substances

Firearms and explosives

Human trafficking

Juvenile crime and gang violence

Law enforcement administration and funding

Organized crime

Violent crime
Latest action: action_date: 2018-06-18
text: Became Public Law No: 115-185.

Summaries:
action_date: 2017-07-14
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017</b></p> <p>This bill establishes the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program within the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs to foster and improve existing partnerships to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in crimes committed by criminal street gangs and transnational organized crime groups.</p>

action_date: 2018-06-18
action_desc: Public Law
text: <p><b>Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018</b></p> <p>(Sec. 3) This bill authorizes the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program within the Department of Justice.</p> <p>(Sec. 4) The purpose of the grant program is to foster and improve partnerships to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in crimes by (1) developing and executing comprehensive strategic plans, (2) developing evidence-based intervention and prevention initiatives, and (3) collecting data on outcomes.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) Grant funds must be locally controlled, to the greatest extent practicable.</p> <p>Of amounts made available for grants, 30% must go to gang task forces in regions experiencing a significant or increased presence of criminal or transnational organizations engaging in high levels of violent crime, firearm offenses, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.</p>

tv_txt: I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 3249 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 14, 2017 Mrs. Comstock introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To authorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017 . 2. Definitions For the purposes of this Act— (1) the term criminal street gangs has the meaning given such term in section 521 of title 18, United States Code; (2) the term gang crime means a felony or misdemeanor crime, under State or Federal law, committed by one or more persons who are a member of, or directly affiliated with, a criminal street gang; (3) the term transnational organized crime group has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(6) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(6) ); (4) the term transnational organized crime has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(5) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(5) ); and (5) the term firearms offenses means an offense under section 922 or 924 of title 18, United States Code. 3. Establishment The Attorney General of the United States is authorized to establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program or, in this Act, as the Program , within the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. 4. Purpose The purpose of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program shall be to foster and improve existing partnerships between Federal, State, and local agencies, including the United States Attorney in each Federal judicial district, to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in crimes, including violent crimes and homicides, committed by criminal street gangs and transnational organized crime groups. 5. Rules and regulations (a) In general The Attorney General shall, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, make rules to create, carry out, and administer the Program in accordance with this section. (b) Funds To be directed to local control Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be, to the greatest extent practicable, locally controlled to address problems that are identified locally (c) Regional Gang Task Forces 20 percent of the amounts made available as grants under the Program each fiscal year shall be granted to established Regional Gang Task Forces in regions experiencing a significant or increased presence of, or high levels of activity from, transnational organized crime groups posing threats to community safety in terms of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking, trafficking and distribution of illegal opioids and heroin, and other crimes. 6. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for the Program under this Act $70,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2018 through 2022.

tv_txt: I 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 3249 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To authorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017 . 2. Definitions For the purposes of this Act— (1) the term criminal street gangs has the meaning given such term in section 521 of title 18, United States Code; (2) the term gang crime means a felony or misdemeanor crime, under State or Federal law, committed by one or more persons who are a member of, or directly affiliated with, a criminal street gang; (3) the term transnational organized crime group has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(6) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(6) ); (4) the term transnational organized crime has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(5) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(5) ); and (5) the term firearms offenses means an offense under section 922 or 924 of title 18, United States Code. 3. Establishment The Attorney General of the United States is authorized to establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program or, in this Act, as the Program , within the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. 4. Purpose The purpose of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program is to foster and improve existing partnerships between Federal, State, and local agencies, including the United States Attorney in each Federal judicial district, to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in violent crimes by— (1) developing and executing strategic plans to assist law enforcement agencies in combating gang crimes, including the enforcement of gun laws and drug interdiction; and (2) developing intervention and prevention initiatives, including juvenile justice projects and activities which may include street-level outreach, conflict mediation, and the changing of community norms, in order to reduce violence. 5. Rules and regulations (a) In general The Attorney General shall, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, make rules to create, carry out, and administer the Program in accordance with this section. (b) Funds To be directed to local control Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be, to the greatest extent practicable, locally controlled to address problems that are identified locally. (c) Regional Gang Task Forces 30 percent of the amounts made available as grants under the Program each fiscal year shall be granted to established Regional Gang Task Forces in regions experiencing a significant or increased presence of, or high levels of activity from, transnational organized crime groups posing threats to community safety in terms of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking, trafficking and distribution of illegal opioids and heroin, and other crimes. 6. Authorization of appropriations; consolidation of programs (a) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for the Program under this Act $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2021. (b) Consolidation of programs For each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, no funds are authorized to be separately appropriated to the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs for— (1) competitive and evidence-based programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence; (2) an Edward Byrne Memorial criminal justice innovation program; (3) community-based violence prevention initiatives; or (4) gang and youth violence education, prevention and intervention, and related activities.

Passed the House of Representatives March 14, 2018. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.

tv_txt: IIB 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 3249 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 15, 2018 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary AN ACT To authorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017 . 2. Definitions For the purposes of this Act— (1) the term criminal street gangs has the meaning given such term in section 521 of title 18, United States Code; (2) the term gang crime means a felony or misdemeanor crime, under State or Federal law, committed by one or more persons who are a member of, or directly affiliated with, a criminal street gang; (3) the term transnational organized crime group has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(6) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(6) ); (4) the term transnational organized crime has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(5) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(5) ); and (5) the term firearms offenses means an offense under section 922 or 924 of title 18, United States Code. 3. Establishment The Attorney General of the United States is authorized to establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program or, in this Act, as the Program , within the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. 4. Purpose The purpose of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program is to foster and improve existing partnerships between Federal, State, and local agencies, including the United States Attorney in each Federal judicial district, to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in violent crimes by— (1) developing and executing strategic plans to assist law enforcement agencies in combating gang crimes, including the enforcement of gun laws and drug interdiction; and (2) developing intervention and prevention initiatives, including juvenile justice projects and activities which may include street-level outreach, conflict mediation, and the changing of community norms, in order to reduce violence. 5. Rules and regulations (a) In general The Attorney General shall, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, make rules to create, carry out, and administer the Program in accordance with this section. (b) Funds To be directed to local control Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be, to the greatest extent practicable, locally controlled to address problems that are identified locally. (c) Regional Gang Task Forces 30 percent of the amounts made available as grants under the Program each fiscal year shall be granted to established Regional Gang Task Forces in regions experiencing a significant or increased presence of, or high levels of activity from, transnational organized crime groups posing threats to community safety in terms of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking, trafficking and distribution of illegal opioids and heroin, and other crimes. 6. Authorization of appropriations; consolidation of programs (a) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for the Program under this Act $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2021. (b) Consolidation of programs For each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, no funds are authorized to be separately appropriated to the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs for— (1) competitive and evidence-based programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence; (2) an Edward Byrne Memorial criminal justice innovation program; (3) community-based violence prevention initiatives; or (4) gang and youth violence education, prevention and intervention, and related activities.

Passed the House of Representatives March 14, 2018. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.

tv_txt: IB Union Calendar No. 454 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 3249 [Report No. 115–597] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 14, 2017 Mrs. Comstock introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary March 14, 2018 Additional sponsors: Mr. King of New York and Mr. MacArthur March 14, 2018 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on July 14, 2017 A BILL To authorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017 . 2. Definitions For the purposes of this Act— (1) the term criminal street gangs has the meaning given such term in section 521 of title 18, United States Code; (2) the term gang crime means a felony or misdemeanor crime, under State or Federal law, committed by one or more persons who are a member of, or directly affiliated with, a criminal street gang; (3) the term transnational organized crime group has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(6) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(6) ); (4) the term transnational organized crime has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(5) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(5) ); and (5) the term firearms offenses means an offense under section 922 or 924 of title 18, United States Code. 3. Establishment The Attorney General of the United States is authorized to establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program or, in this Act, as the Program , within the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. 4. Purpose The purpose of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program is to foster and improve existing partnerships between Federal, State, and local agencies, including the United States Attorney in each Federal judicial district, to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in violent crimes by— (1) developing and executing strategic plans to assist law enforcement agencies in combating gang crimes, including the enforcement of gun laws and drug interdiction; and (2) developing intervention and prevention initiatives, including juvenile justice projects and activities which may include street-level outreach, conflict mediation, and the changing of community norms, in order to reduce violence. 5. Rules and regulations (a) In general The Attorney General shall, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, make rules to create, carry out, and administer the Program in accordance with this section. (b) Funds To be directed to local control Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be, to the greatest extent practicable, locally controlled to address problems that are identified locally (c) Regional Gang Task Forces 30 percent of the amounts made available as grants under the Program each fiscal year shall be granted to established Regional Gang Task Forces in regions experiencing a significant or increased presence of, or high levels of activity from, transnational organized crime groups posing threats to community safety in terms of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking, trafficking and distribution of illegal opioids and heroin, and other crimes. 6. Authorization of appropriations; consolidation of programs (a) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for the Program under this Act $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2020. (b) Consolidation of programs For each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022, no funds are authorized to be separately appropriated to the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs for— (1) competitive and evidence-based programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence; (2) an Edward Byrne Memorial criminal justice innovation program; (3) community-based violence prevention initiatives; or (4) gang and youth violence education, prevention and intervention, and related activities.

March 14, 2018 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

tv_txt: 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H.R. 3249 In the Senate of the United States, May 16, 2018. Amendment:

That the bill from the House of Representatives (H.R. 3249) entitled An Act to authorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, and for other purposes. , do pass with the following Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018 . 2. Definitions For the purposes of this Act— (1) the term firearms offenses means an offense under section 922 or 924 of title 18, United States Code; (2) the term Program means the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program established under section 3; and (3) the term transnational organized crime group has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(6) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(6) ). 3. Establishment The Attorney General of the United States is authorized to establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program within the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. 4. Purpose (a) Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program The purpose of the Program is to foster and improve existing partnerships between Federal, State, and local agencies, including the United States Attorney in each Federal judicial district, entities representing members of the community affected by increased violence, victims' advocates, and researchers to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in violent crimes by— (1) developing and executing comprehensive strategic plans to reduce violent crimes, including the enforcement of gun laws, and prioritizing efforts focused on identified subsets of individuals or organizations responsible for increasing violence in a particular geographic area; (2) developing evidence-based and data-driven intervention and prevention initiatives, including juvenile justice projects and activities which may include street-level outreach, conflict mediation, provision of treatment and social services, and the changing of community norms, in order to reduce violence; and (3) collecting data on outcomes achieved through the Program, including the effect on the violent crime rate, incarceration rate, and recidivism rate of the jurisdiction. (b) Additional purpose areas In addition to the purpose described in subsection (a), the Attorney General may use funds authorized under this Act for any of the following purposes— (1) competitive and evidence-based programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence; (2) the Edward Byrne criminal justice innovation program; (3) community-based violence prevention initiatives; or (4) gang and youth violence education, prevention and intervention, and related activities. 5. Rules and regulations (a) In general The Attorney General shall issue guidance to create, carry out, and administer the Program in accordance with this section. (b) Funds to be directed to local control Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be, to the greatest extent practicable, locally controlled to address problems that are identified locally. (c) Task forces Thirty percent of the amounts made available as grants under the Program each fiscal year shall be granted to Gang Task Forces in regions experiencing a significant or increased presence of criminal or transnational organizations engaging in high levels of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. (d) Priority Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be used to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of individuals who have an aggravating or leadership role in a criminal or transnational organization described in subsection (c). 6. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General to carry out the Program $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2021.

Secretary

tv_txt: I One Hundred Fifteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, the third day of January, two thousand and eighteen H. R. 3249 AN ACT To authorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018 . 2. Definitions For the purposes of this Act— (1) the term firearms offenses means an offense under section 922 or 924 of title 18, United States Code; (2) the term Program means the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program established under section 3; and (3) the term transnational organized crime group has the meaning given such term in section 36(k)(6) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2708(k)(6) ). 3. Establishment The Attorney General of the United States is authorized to establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program within the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. 4. Purpose (a) Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program The purpose of the Program is to foster and improve existing partnerships between Federal, State, and local agencies, including the United States Attorney in each Federal judicial district, entities representing members of the community affected by increased violence, victims' advocates, and researchers to create safer neighborhoods through sustained reductions in violent crimes by— (1) developing and executing comprehensive strategic plans to reduce violent crimes, including the enforcement of gun laws, and prioritizing efforts focused on identified subsets of individuals or organizations responsible for increasing violence in a particular geographic area; (2) developing evidence-based and data-driven intervention and prevention initiatives, including juvenile justice projects and activities which may include street-level outreach, conflict mediation, provision of treatment and social services, and the changing of community norms, in order to reduce violence; and (3) collecting data on outcomes achieved through the Program, including the effect on the violent crime rate, incarceration rate, and recidivism rate of the jurisdiction. (b) Additional purpose areas In addition to the purpose described in subsection (a), the Attorney General may use funds authorized under this Act for any of the following purposes— (1) competitive and evidence-based programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence; (2) the Edward Byrne criminal justice innovation program; (3) community-based violence prevention initiatives; or (4) gang and youth violence education, prevention and intervention, and related activities. 5. Rules and regulations (a) In general The Attorney General shall issue guidance to create, carry out, and administer the Program in accordance with this section. (b) Funds to be directed to local control Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be, to the greatest extent practicable, locally controlled to address problems that are identified locally. (c) Task forces Thirty percent of the amounts made available as grants under the Program each fiscal year shall be granted to Gang Task Forces in regions experiencing a significant or increased presence of criminal or transnational organizations engaging in high levels of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. (d) Priority Amounts made available as grants under the Program shall be used to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of individuals who have an aggravating or leadership role in a criminal or transnational organization described in subsection (c). 6. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General to carry out the Program $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2021.

Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.