zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Back the Blue Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code by establishing mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in prison for offenders who kill, or attempt or conspire to kill, current or former U.S. judges and federal law enforcement officers. Offenders are subject to 30 years in prison or the death penalty if death results.

Additionally, the bill makes it illegal to kill, or attempt or conspire to kill, current or former public safety officers or judicial officers who work for state or local governments that are federally funded if the officers were engaged in official duties or targeted on account of their duties. The penalties for crimes against federal officials are also applied for crimes against federally funded public safety officers.

The bill: (1) makes it a crime to assault an individual involved in crime and juvenile delinquency control or reduction, or enforcement of the laws of states; and (2) increases penalties based on the degree of bodily injury caused by the assault and the type of weapon used.

A new federal crime is established for fleeing authorities to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement after conviction for a killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill, a federal judge or law enforcement officer, or a federally funded public safety officer.

The bill expands the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms in federal facilities.

The Department of Justice must award grants to state, local, or tribal enforcement agencies for improving their relationships with the communities they serve.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
SMART Guns Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to modify requirements under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. Specifically, a firearm purchased with JAG funds must, to the extent practicable, be a SMART gun.

The term "SMART gun" means a firearm that includes a safety feature to prevent an unauthorized person from using such firearm.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Mental Health Training Enhancement for First Responders Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the allowable use of grant funds under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program to include specialized mental health training for law enforcement officers.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Federal Law Enforcement and Public Protection Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to direct each civilian or military federal law enforcement agency to prescribe requirements for the safe storage and locking of service firearms when they are not in use.

It specifies minimum standards for safe storage and locking, directs agencies to report lost or stolen firearms, and requires agencies to provide training and written materials to law enforcement officers.

Date: 2016-09-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Preventing Gun Violence Act

 This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit firearm possession by a person who has been adjudicated of committing a violent juvenile act.

 The term "violent juvenile act" means: (1) an act by a person under the age of 18 that, if committed by an adult, would be punishable by a prison term exceeding one year and that either has, as an element, the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person or involves, by its nature, a substantial risk that physical force against another person may be used; and (2) such an act that is committed by a person who has attained age 18 but not age 21 for which the person is tried as a juvenile or youthful offender under state law.

Date: 2016-09-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
911 Emergency Service Protection Act

This bill amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to require each investment adviser who is required to file annual or other reports under such Act and who advises a private fund that owns a controlling interest in an emergency services company to disclose to the Securities and Exchange Commission, at least annually:

 the change in the average response time of emergency vehicles since the private fund acquired a controlling interest in the company, the percentage of response times of emergency vehicles deployed by the company to a unit of local government that do not meet a required response time established by a contract for emergency services between the company and such local government, and a description of the impact of any such response time failure on the value of the company to the private fund.

Date: 2016-09-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Modernizing Firearm Technology Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require licensed firearms dealers to prominently display and offer for sale personalized handguns. A personalized handgun gun incorporates a firing restriction into its design so that only an authorized user may fire the gun. An authorized user is the lawful owner of the handgun and any individual authorized by the owner to use the handgun who is allowed to own, carry, or use a firearm in the state where the firearm is being used.

The bill takes effect on the date the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certifies that at least two different models of personalized handguns are available commercially in sufficient quantities to enable licensed dealers to sell the gun. NIJ may not certify a model of a personalized handgun if it does not fire at least as reliably as the average nonpersonalized handgun.

Date: 2016-09-20
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Responsible Law Enforcement Acquisition Act of 2016

This bill changes the program (known as the 1033 program) under which the Department of Defense (DOD) may transfer surplus military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies at no cost to a program under which such property is transferred by auction and the proceeds are deposited in the Treasury.

The bill requires that the recipient be a state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency that is the high bidder at an auction that is open only to such agencies and is conducted by DOD or a DOD-contracted entity.

The program preference for property transfers for use in counter drug, counterterrorism, or border security activities is eliminated.

DOD is prohibited from transferring personal property to a recipient agency without charge.

The bill prohibits an executive agency from using available funds or fees to carry out or enforce any executive order, rule, regulation, or any other executive branch policy issued on or after January 16, 2015, that has the effect of establishing an interagency working group regarding: (1) the DOD transfer of personal property to state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies; or (2) the use of such property.

Date: 2016-09-27
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Police Protection Act of 2016

This bill requires federal law enforcement officers to report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) facts and circumstances surrounding an individual's injury or death while in custody. It imposes criminal penalties—a fine and three-year mandatory minimum prison term—on a federal law enforcement officer who knowingly fails to submit a report or submits a false report.

Additionally, the bill requires a state or local government that receives funds under specified grant programs to enact a law that requires state or local law enforcement officers to submit substantially similar reports. DOJ must reduce by 10% the allocation of specified grant program funds for a state or local government that fails to enact such law.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
National Observations of Hate, Assaults, and Threats to Equality Act of 2016 or the NO HATE Act of 2016

This bill requires a state or local government that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to report hate crime information to the Department of Justice (DOJ). DOJ must reduce the JAG allocation of a state or local government state that fails to comply.

The bill directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include hate crime information in the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Incident-Based Reporting System.

Date: 2016-11-17
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
American Law Enforcement Heroes Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to specify that hiring and training additional career law enforcement officers, as an allowable use of grant funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services program, includes prioritizing the hiring and training of veterans.

Date: 2016-11-18
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Law Enforcement Inclusion Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the allowable use of grant funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to include: (1) recruiting, hiring, and training career law enforcement officers who are residents of the communities they serve; and (2) developing and publishing strategies and timelines to recruit, hire, and train a diverse and inclusive law enforcement workforce.

Date: 2016-12-01
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Laquan McDonald Camera Act of 2016

This bill requires state and local law enforcement agencies to require and enforce the use of body-worn and dashboard cameras, as an eligibility condition for a state to receive funds under Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs that provide amounts for law enforcement purposes.

DOJ must reduce by 10% the allocation of grant funds for a state that fails to certify the full compliance of its state and local law enforcement agencies.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Andrew Joseph III Act of 2016This bill requires a jurisdiction to have in place, as a condition of eligibility for funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, an independent civilian review board to review allegations of brutality and civil rights violations against law enforcement officers.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on May 6, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend through FY2020 the authorization of appropriations for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program.

(Sec. 3) It requires the transfer to the general fund of the Treasury, no later than January 31, 2023, of all funds appropriated for the BVP program for FY2016-FY2020 that are not obligated on or before December 31, 2022.

(Sec. 4) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that amounts made available to carry out the BVP program should be made available through the end of the fiscal year following the one for which the amounts are appropriated and should not be made available until expended.

(Sec. 5) It prohibits the use of federal funds under another grant program to pay or defer the cost of the matching funds requirement for the BVP program.

(Sec. 6) It requires a state, local, or tribal government that receives a BVP program grant to comply with BVP program requirements, to have a written policy requiring uniformed patrol officers to wear an armor vest or body armor, and to use the funds to purchase vests or body armor that meet performance standards established by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

(Sec. 7) The bill allows preferential consideration to a BVP program grant applicant from a jurisdiction that provides armor vests that are uniquely fitted to law enforcement officers, including individual female officers.

Date: 2015-01-08
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Modifies the definition of "antique firearm" under the federal criminal code and the Internal Revenue Code to cover any firearm manufactured in or before the calendar year that is 100 years before the year in which a determination is made as to whether the firearm is an antique firearm (currently, any firearm manufactured in or before 1898).

Date: 2015-01-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Look-Alike Weapons Safety Act of 2015 

Amends the Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 to prohibit manufacturing, entering into commerce, shipping, transporting, or receiving any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm unless the permanent color of the entire exterior surface is white, bright orange, or another specified predominant bright color. (Currently, imitation firearms are required to have only an orange plug inserted into the barrel.)

Revises the definition of "look-alike firearm" to include traditional B-B and pellet-firing air guns that expel a projectile through the force of air pressure. Maintains the exclusion of paint-ball guns.

Date: 2015-01-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Commerce
Prohibits the Department of the Army from promulgating or enforcing any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm in any area open to the public (other than a federal facility) at a water resources development project administered by the Chief of Engineers if: (1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and (2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the state in which the project is located.

Date: 2015-01-27
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Water resources development
Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act of 2015

 Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Defines a "large capacity ammunition feeding device" to: (1) mean a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, helical feeding device, or similar device that has an overall capacity of, or that can be readily changed to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition; and (2) exclude an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

Provides exemptions for: (1) devices lawfully possessed before this Act's enactment; (2) federal, state, and local agencies and law enforcement officers; (3) licensees under the Atomic Energy Act for on-site security, off-site training, and transportation of nuclear materials; and (4) authorized testing or experimentation by a licensed firearms manufacturer or importer.

Requires a device manufactured after this Act's enactment to be identified by a serial number and the date it was manufactured conspicuously engraved or cast on the device.

Sets penalties for violations. Subjects devices used or involved in knowing violation of such Act to seizure and forfeiture.

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants for buy-back programs for surrendered large capacity ammunition feeding devices.

Date: 2015-02-05
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Firearms Manufacturers and Dealers Protection Act of 2015

This bill declares that funds appropriated or otherwise made available, including amounts derived from any fee or other source, are denied to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Department of Justice, or any other federal agency to carry out Operation Choke Point or any other program designed to discourage the provision or continuation of credit or the processing of payments by financial institutions for dealers and manufacturers of firearms and ammunition.

Date: 2015-02-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to authorize a person who is not prohibited from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm under federal law, who is entitled and not prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in his or her state of residence or who is carrying a valid state license or permit to carry a concealed weapon, and who is carrying a government-issued photographic identification document, to carry a concealed handgun (which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, other than a machine gun or destructive device) in any state in accordance with the restrictions of that state.

Provides that in a state that allows the issuing authority for licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms to impose restrictions on the carrying of firearms by individual license or permit holders, an individual carrying a concealed handgun under this Act shall be permitted to carry it according to the same terms authorized by an unrestricted license or permit issued by such state.

Date: 2015-02-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to deny the transfer of a firearm or the issuance of a firearms or explosives license or permit (or revoke such license or permit) if the Attorney General: (1) determines that the transferee is known (or appropriately suspected) to be engaged in terrorism or has provided material support or resources for terrorism, and (2) has a reasonable belief that the transferee may use a firearm in connection with terrorism. Allows any individual whose firearms or explosives license application has been denied to bring legal action to challenge the denial.

Extends the prohibition against the sale or distribution of firearms or explosives to include individuals whom the Attorney General has determined to be engaged in terrorist activities. Imposes criminal penalties on individuals engaged in terrorist activities who smuggle or knowingly bring firearms into the United States.

Authorizes the Attorney General to withhold information in firearms and explosives license denial revocation lawsuits and from employers if the Attorney General determines that the disclosure of such information would likely compromise national security.

Date: 2015-02-24
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Knife Owners' Protection Act of 2015

 Allows any individual who is not otherwise prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a knife to transport a knife from any state or place where such individual may lawfully possess, carry, or transport such a knife to any other state or place where such individual may lawfully do so: (1) by motor vehicle if the knife is not directly accessible from the passenger compartment or is in a closed container, glove compartment, or console; or (2) by other means over land or through water or the air if the knife is in a closed container. Excludes the transport of a knife with the intent to commit an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year involving the use or threatened use of force against another person or with knowledge, or reasonable cause to believe, that such an offense is to be committed in the course of, or arising from, the journey.

Allows an individual to carry a knife or tool that is designed for enabling escape in an emergency and that incorporates a blunt tipped safety blade or a guarded blade or both for cutting safety belts in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle without being secured in a closed container, glove compartment, or console, except in the passenger cabin of aircraft whose passengers are subject to airport screening procedures of the Transportation Security Administration.

Establishes a cause of action by individuals subjected to deprivation of rights provided under this Act. Requires the court to award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party if an individual asserts this Act as a claim or defense.

Date: 2015-02-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2015 

Amends Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax exclusion for benefits paid to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical providers by states and local governments, to: (1) increase the amount of benefits excludible; and (2) make such tax exclusion available for taxable years beginning in 2015, 2016, or 2017.

Date: 2015-02-27
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Taxation
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)

Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015

 (Sec. 3) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue Blue Alerts through the initiation, facilitation, and promotion of Blue Alert plans for the dissemination of information received as a Blue Alert, in coordination with states, local governments, and law enforcement agencies; and (2) assign an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator of the network.

Defines "Blue Alert" as information sent through the network relating to: (1) the serious injury or death of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty, (2) an officer who is missing in connection with the officer's official duties, or (3) an imminent and credible threat that an individual intends to cause the serious injury or death of a law enforcement officer.

(Sec. 4) Sets forth the duties of the national coordinator, including:

 providing assistance to states and local governments that are using Blue Alert plans; establishing voluntary guidelines for states and local governments to use in developing such plans; developing protocols for efforts to apprehend suspects; working with states to ensure appropriate regional coordination of various elements of the network; establishing an advisory group to assist states, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other entities in initiating, facilitating, and promoting Blue Alert plans; acting as the nationwide point of contact for the development of the network and the regional coordination of Blue Alerts through the network; and determining what procedures and practices are in use for notifying law enforcement and the public of a Blue Alert and which procedures and practices are effective and 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; (2) provide mechanisms that ensure that Blue Alerts comply with all applicable federal, state, and local privacy laws and regulations; and (3) include standards that specifically provide for the protection of the civil liberties of law enforcement officers and their families.

Directs the coordinator to report annually on the coordinator's activities and the effectiveness and status of the Blue Alert plans that are in effect or being developed.

Date: 2015-03-04
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Second Amendment Enforcement Act of 2015

Declares that nothing in a certain prohibition against killing wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia, or any other provision of law, shall authorize or be construed to permit the District of Columbia Council, the Mayor, or any District governmental or regulatory authority to prohibit or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law from acquiring or using for lawful purposes any firearm neither prohibited by federal law nor subject to the National Firearms Act.

Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms for legitimate purposes.

Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (FCRA) to repeal the District's registration requirement for possession of firearms.

Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle.

 Prohibits dealing, importing, or manufacturing firearms without complying with federal law requirements.

Declares that, in the case of a sale or transfer of a handgun to a District resident, a federally licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer of firearms in Maryland or Virginia shall be treated as a dealer licensed in the District if certain requirements are met.

Prohibits selling, transferring or otherwise disposing of any firearm or ammunition to any person if the sellers or transferors know that such person is prohibited by federal law from possessing or receiving it.

Bars individuals prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm in the District.

Repeals specified District policies and requirements regarding the keeping or storing of firearms.

Eliminates criminal penalties for possession of unregistered firearms.

Amends the District of Columbia Code to: (1) allow District property owners to prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on their property, (2) authorize certain individuals to carry firearms in certain places and for certain purposes, (3) prescribe requirements for lawful transportation of firearms, and (4) prohibit the use of toy and antique pistols to commit a violent or dangerous crime.

Authorizes the District to prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms, except to certain lessees, within any building or structure under its control, or in any area of it, which has implemented security measures to identify and exclude unauthorized or hazardous persons or articles.

Requires the District Chief of Police to issue a five-year license to carry a concealed pistol on or about the person to any qualified individual who completes the application process.

Repeals: (1) FCRA requirements that a gun offender register and verify certain identifiable information with the Chief; and (2) specified District of Columbia Acts, in order to conform with this Act. Restores and revives any provision of law amended or repealed by such Acts as if they had not been enacted into law.

Date: 2015-03-26
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Historic Downtown Preservation and Access Act 

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for 50% of the cost of installing an elevator system or a sprinkler system in a certified historic structure. Limits the total amount of such credit to $50,000 in any taxable year.

Date: 2015-04-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Taxation
Swatting Won't be Accepted or Tolerated Act of 2015 or the SWAT Act

Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose a term of imprisonment of up to eight years for making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation to a federal law enforcement agency that causes an emergency federal law enforcement response; and (2) require the court to order a defendant convicted of such an offense to reimburse any federal, state, or local government for up to $10,000 in expenses incurred in responding to that conduct.

Extends the requirement that a court order a person convicted of conveying false or misleading information indicating that conduct involving specified criminal violations has taken, is taking, or will take place (including violations regarding biological and chemical weapons, firearms, sabotage of nuclear facilities, importation of explosive materials, terrorism, and damaging or destroying pipeline facilities) to reimburse state and local governments and not-for-profit organizations for expenses incident to fire and rescue service provided in any emergency or investigative response to such conduct to also require reimbursement of law enforcement service and any such services provided by the federal government.

Date: 2015-04-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Stanley Cooper Death Benefits for Court Security Officers Act

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include a court security officer under contract with the U.S. Marshals Service within the definition of "public safety officer" for purposes of public safety officers' death benefits.

Makes this Act applicable with respect to any injury sustained on or after January 1, 2010.

Date: 2015-04-28
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Amends provisions of the federal criminal code governing interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition to require that whenever transported by any means other than a motor vehicle: (1) a firearm shall be in a locked container or secured by a secure gun storage or safety device, and (2) ammunition shall be in a locked container.

Excludes from permitted transport of a firearm or ammunition any transportation: (1) with the intent to commit a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year that involves the use or threatened use of force against another; or (2) with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that such a crime is to be committed in the course of, or arising from, the transportation.

Prohibits the arrest or detention of a person for a violation of any state or local law or regulation related to the possession, transportation, or carrying of firearms unless there is probable cause to believe that the person is doing so in a manner not provided for under federal law. Provides that when a person asserts this as a defense in a criminal proceeding: (1) the prosecution shall bear the burden of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the person's conduct did not satisfy federal conditions; and (2) the court shall award the prevailing defendant a reasonable attorney's fee.

Authorizes a private right of action (and attorney fees) for deprivation of any right, privilege or immunity secured by federal firearms provisions under color of any state or local law or regulation.

Date: 2015-05-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Knife Owners' Protection Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill permits an individual to transport a knife between two states where knife possession, carry, or transport is legal. A knife must be securely stored during transport.

Specifically, a knife transported by motor vehicle must be inaccessible from the vehicle's passenger compartment or secured in a closed container, glove compartment, or console in a vehicle with no separate passenger compartment. A knife transported by other means (e.g., air) must be secured in a closed container.

An emergency knife designed to cut seat belts is exempt from the requirement to be securely stored during interstate transport.

This bill prohibits the arrest or detention of an individual for a knife violation unless there is probable cause to believe the individual failed to securely store the knife during transport. An individual may assert compliance with this Act as a claim or defense in any civil or criminal action or proceeding.

Date: 2015-05-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Fairness for Fallen Officers Act of 2015

 Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include a climate-related injury (including hypothermia, heatstroke, and hyperthermia) sustained by a public safety officer who engaged in a situation involving exposure to extreme environmental conditions while on duty as a personal injury for which death benefits or benefits for permanent and total disability shall be provided.

Date: 2015-05-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

 Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors (licensees) to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to a resident of a state other than the state in which the licensee is located or temporarily located if the licensee meets with the purchaser to complete the sale or delivery and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and (2) eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license.

Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition: (1) between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state; or (2) by a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to an unlicensed person at a temporary location in any state.

Amends definitions for federal firearms provisions to: (1) revise the definition of a "member of the Armed Forces on active duty" to include a member (or member's spouse) who is a resident of the state in which such person maintains legal residence or in which the member maintains a place of abode from which the member commutes each day to the permanent duty station; and (2) provide that an officer or employee of the United States (other than a member of the Armed Forces) stationed outside the United States for a period exceeding one year, or a spouse residing with such an officer or employee, is a resident of the state in which the person maintains legal residence.

Date: 2015-05-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Firearm Act of 2015

 Prohibits the federal government from requiring disclosure of the race or ethnicity of a person to whom a firearm is transferred.

Date: 2015-05-19
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Police Reporting Information, Data, and Evidence Act of 2015 or the PRIDE Act

Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states and Indian tribes that: (1) demonstrate that the use-of-force policy for their law enforcement officers is publicly available; and (2) report information on any incident involving the shooting of a civilian by a law enforcement officer or the shooting of an officer by a civilian and on any incident in which the use of force by an officer against a civilian, or the use of force by a civilian against an officer, results in serious bodily injury or death. Requires such information to include:

 the gender, race, ethnicity, and age of each individual who was shot, injured, or killed; the date, time, and location of the incident; whether the civilian was armed and, if so, the type of weapon; the type of force used against the officer, the civilian, or both; the number of officers and civilians involved; and a brief description regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorizes a grant to be used for:

 the cost of complying with such reporting requirements; the cost of establishing necessary systems required to investigate and report incidents; public awareness campaigns designed to gain information from the public on use of force against police officers; and use of force training for law enforcement agencies and personnel. Directs the Attorney General: (1) to publish an annual report containing the information reported, and (2) in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to issue guidance on best practices relating to establishing standard data collection systems that capture such information.

Date: 2015-06-02
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Crime Gun Tracing Act of 2015

 Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Attorney General, in awarding public safety and community policing (COPS ON THE BEAT) grants, to give preferential consideration to an applicant that has reported all firearms recovered during the previous 12 months at a crime scene or during the course of a criminal investigation to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, or to a state agency that reports such firearms to the Bureau, for the purpose of tracing.

Requires each application for a COPS grant to specify: (1) whether the applicant recovered any firearms at a crime scene or during the course of a criminal investigation during the 12 months before the submission of the application; (2) the number of such firearms recovered; (3) the number of such firearms reported to the Bureau, or to a state agency that reports such firearms to the Bureau, for tracing; and (4) the reason why any such firearms were not so reported.

Date: 2015-06-09
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill requires the Department of the Air Force to report to Congress on the locations of C-130 Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) units.

The report shall include:

 a list of MAFFS units and their utilization rates, a future force allocation determination in order to achieve such units' most efficient use, and an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of modifying the MAFFS program to enhance firefighting capabilities.

Date: 2015-06-18
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Undetectable Firearms Modernization Act of 2015

 Amends the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 to revise what are prohibited firearms to include any firearm: (1) that, after removal of all parts other than a major component (currently, of grips, stocks, and magazines), is not as detectable by walk-through metal detectors as the Security Exemplar; or (2) any major component of which, if subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices (currently, x-ray machines) commonly used at airports for security screening, would not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component.

Modifies the definition of: (1) "major component" to include the barrel of a firearm only in the case of a rifle or shotgun, and (2) "Security Exemplar" to repeal the requirement that it be fabricated within 12 months after enactment of such Act.

Exempts from undetectable firearms provisions: (1) a prototype firearm for detectability testing; (2) any firearm received by, in the possession of, or under the control of the United States; or (3) the manufacture, importation, possession, transfer, receipt, shipment, or delivery of a firearm by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer pursuant to a contract with the United States. (Replaces the exemption of any firearm that has been certified by the Department of Defense or the Central Intelligence Agency as necessary for military or intelligence applications or that is manufactured and sold exclusively to U.S. military or intelligence agencies.)

Date: 2015-07-09
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Handgun Purchaser Licensing Act

Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to states, units of local government, and Indian tribes for the development, implementation, and evaluation of handgun purchaser licensing requirements. Directs the Attorney General to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible applicants whose applications are approved to assist them in implementing and improving handgun purchaser licensing programs.

Directs a state, local government, or tribe, to be eligible to receive a grant, to submit to the Attorney General an application that meets specified requirements, including a description of: (1) the law that the applicant has enacted to require a license for any purchase of a handgun, including exemptions to such law; and (2) how the applicant will use the grant to carry out or improve its program.

Requires an applicant, to be eligible for a grant, to have in effect handgun purchaser licensing laws that:

 require an applicant for a handgun license or permit to be at least 21 years old and to be a national or lawful permanent resident of the United States; require such an individual to apply for the license or permit at a law enforcement agency in the state in which he or she resides, to reapply for an issued license after a period not longer than five years, and to submit to a background investigation and a criminal history check; require such an individual to submit fingerprints and photographs in connection with the application and to provide proof that the individual is legally present and lawfully resides in the United States; and bar any individual who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under the federal criminal code from receiving a license or permit. Requires a grantee to use such grant to improve its handgun purchaser licensing programs.

Date: 2015-07-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make trafficking in firearms a crime. Specifically, it prohibits, with respect to two or more firearms, the following:

 transfer to or receipt by a prohibited person or a person who plans a subsequent transfer that results in unlawful use, possession, or disposition of such firearms; providing false statements in connection with the purchase, receipt, or acquisition of such firearms; and directing, promoting, or facilitating such prohibited conduct. A person who commits or conspires to commit a gun trafficking offense is subject to a prison term of up to 20 years (or 25 years if such person also acted as an organizer). 

The U.S. Sentencing Commission must review and, if appropriate, amend the sentencing guidelines and policy statements that apply to persons convicted of trafficking in firearms.

Date: 2015-07-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill directs the Department of Defense to establish a process by which the commander of a military installation in the United States may authorize a qualifying member of the Armed Forces who is assigned to duty at the installation to carry a concealed personal firearm on the installation if the commander determines it to be necessary as a personal-protection or force-protection measure.

The commander of the installation shall consult with appropriate state and local elected officials and take into consideration state and local laws law regarding carrying a concealed personal firearm.

Date: 2015-07-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Armed Forces Self-Defense Act

 This bill states U.S. policy that Department of Defense (DOD) personnel shall be appropriately armed and have the inherent right to self-defense.

 Current regulations and directives, or any provision in any other rule, regulation, or executive order prohibiting military personnel trained in firearms from carrying personal firearms on U.S. military installations shall have no further force or effect with regard to such military personnel, and they shall not be prohibited from carrying personal firearms on U.S. military installations.

The bill directs DOD to establish a process by which the commander of a military installation in the United States may authorize a qualifying member of the Armed Forces assigned to duty at the installation to carry a concealed personal firearm on the installation if the commander determines it to be necessary as a personal-protection or force-protection measure.

The commander of the installation shall consult with appropriate state and local elected officials and take into consideration state and local laws law regarding carrying a concealed personal firearm.

Date: 2015-07-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
This bill repeals (1) Army Regulation 190-14, entitled "Carrying of Firearms and Use of Force for Law Enforcement and Security Duties"; and (2) Department of Defense Directive Number 5210.56, entitled "Use of Deadly Force and the Carrying of Firearms by DOD Personnel Engaged in Law Enforcement and Security Duties."

Any provision in any other law, rule, regulation, or executive order that prohibits military personnel trained in firearms use from carrying a firearm on a military installation or Department of Defense (DOD) site within the United States shall have no further force or effect and may not be enforced.

 Military personnel shall not be prohibited from carrying firearms on military installations or DOD sites.

DOD or the commander of a military installation may prohibit a member of the Armed Forces, on a case-by-case basis, from carrying firearms on the military installation or DOD site if necessary to prevent the member from committing bodily harm to the member or others.

DOD and the Secretaries of the military departments shall not reinstate the firearm bans repealed in this Act or enact similar firearms restrictions.

 The President shall not take any executive action or promulgate any rule, or issue any executive order or regulation, to prohibit military personnel from carrying firearms.

Date: 2015-07-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act

 This bill amends federal firearms provisions to expand the definition of: (1) "intimate partner" to include a dating partner or former dating partner; and (2) "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" to include a misdemeanor offense that has, as an element, the use or attempted use of force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, by a dating partner or former dating partner against the victim.

The bill prohibits the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition to, or the possession or receipt of a firearm by, a person subject to a court order, or an ex parte order, that restrains such person from: (1) harassing, stalking, threatening, or engaging in other conduct that would put an individual in reasonable fear of bodily injury, including an order issued at the request of an employer on behalf of its employee or at the request of an institution of higher education on behalf of its student; or (2) intimidating or dissuading a witness from testifying in court.

Date: 2015-07-22
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Servicemembers Self-Defense Act of 2015

This bill excludes lands and buildings owned or leased by the Department of Defense (DOD) from the the ban against possession of firearms and dangerous weapons on federal facilities with respect to a qualified member of the Armed Forces.

The possession of a concealed or open-carry firearm by a member of the Armed Forces on a military installation, if lawful under the laws of the state in which the installation is located, is not a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

DOD shall amend DOD Directive number 5210.56 to allow members of the Armed Forces to possess firearms for defensive purposes on DOD facilities and installations in a manner consistent with the laws of the state in which the facility or installation is located.

A qualified member of the Armed Forces carrying DOD-issued photographic identification may carry a concealed firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Such authorization shall not be construed to supersede or limit the laws of any state that: (1) permit private persons or entities to prohibit or restrict the possession of concealed firearms on their property; or (2) prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on any state or local government property, installation, building, base, or park.

Date: 2015-07-22
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security