zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Respecting States Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for reciprocity for the carrying of certain concealed firearms in different states by persons who are not prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm and who are: (1) carrying a valid state license or permit for carrying a concealed firearm; or (2) otherwise entitled to carry a concealed firearm in their state of residence.

Date: 2009-02-03
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Justice Integrity Act of 2009 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice process; and (3) submit to the U.S. attorney a report and proposed plan for addressing such disparities. Requires each U.S. attorney to annually evaluate the efficacy of a plan submitted by an advisory group. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) prepare a comprehensive report on all advisory group plans and submit such report and plans to Congress; and (2) exercise continuing oversight of the criminal justice system to reduce unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities and improve such system.

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Firearms Transfer Improvement Act - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand the authority of licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers or collectors (licensees) of firearms to sell or deliver firearms (currently, limited to rifles or shotguns) to residents of a state other than the state in which the licensee's place of business is located (or temporarily located) if the sale or delivery complies with the laws of the state in which the sale or delivery is conducted (currently, must comply with the laws of the state of both the seller and the purchaser); and (2) allow licensees to conduct business temporarily at any gun show or event sponsored by any national, state, or local organization, or any affiliate devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms (currently, only at such a location in the state specified on the licensee's license). Reaffirms the right of licensees to conduct: (1) firearms transfers (currently, "curios or relics" firearms transfers) with another licensee away from their business premises; and (2) firearms transfers and business with nonlicensees at any location at which the licensee is authorized to conduct business.

Date: 2009-03-10
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Fire-Safe Communities Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reduce the amount of the share of nonfederal funds required by the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program to 10% of the grant amount for a municipality at risk if such municipality has adopted: (1) a national wildland fire code, standard, or ordinance; or (2) a local ordinance, standard, or code that requires the retrofit of existing construction that provides for increased protection for the municipality from the threat of wildfire, such as a requirement to replace combustible roofing material used in existing structures. Directs the Under Secretary to award grants to municipalities at risk to: (1) encourage responsible development in such municipalities; (2) mitigate the catastrophic effects of fires; and (3) encourage the retrofit of existing wildfire-prone structures. Limits grant awards to $1 million. Directs the Under Secretary to require that a person awarded a grant provide nonfederal funds equal to 25% of the grant amount for the purpose of the award. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to: (1) include as a purpose of the Community and Private Land Fire Assistance Program to enhance the capacity of local governments to integrate fire-resistant community and home design into local planning, zoning, building codes, property maintenance codes, and brush clearing ordinances; and (2) authorize a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to fire-safe communities located near federal land to assist in federal efforts to prevent and manage fires.

Date: 2009-04-01
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Emergency management
Gun Show Background Check Act of 2009 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require registration of gun show promoters and to set forth the responsibilities of promoters, licensees, and other transferors. Provides that if any part of a firearm transaction takes place at a gun show, each licensed importer, manufacturer, and dealer who transfers one or more firearms to a person who is not licensed shall, within 10 days after the transfer, submit a report of the transfer to the Attorney General. Sets forth penalties for violations. Grants the Attorney General authority to enter the place of business of any gun show promoter and any place where a gun show is held, during business hours and without a showing of reasonable cause or a warrant, for purposes of examining records and the inventory of licensees conducting business to determine compliance with this Act. Increases penalties for: (1) serious record-keeping violations by licensees; and (2) violations of criminal background check requirements.

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Respecting States Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for reciprocity for the carrying of certain concealed firearms in states that allow their residents to carry such firearms by persons who are not prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm and who are: (1) carrying a valid state license or permit for carrying a concealed firearm; or (2) otherwise entitled to carry a concealed firearm in their state of residence.

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act of 2009 or the SERVE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $1,000 refundable tax credit for individuals who are bona fide volunteer members of a qualified volunteer fire department who provide firefighting, ambulance, or emergency medical services.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Taxation
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Requires fines to be based upon the nature and severity of the violation, the size of the firearms business involved, and the prior record of the firearm's licensee. Prohibits consideration of the amount of fines or license revocations imposed by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the retention, promotion, or transfer of such agents. Revises the definition of "willfully" for purposes of firearms violations and standards for criminal violations of firearms recordkeeping requirements. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial; and (2) establish guidelines for ATF inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations. Permits an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Allows purchasers of existing firearms businesses the right to cure firearms violations attributable to such businesses. Allows the transfer, possession, and importation of machineguns for industry testing, training, and film production. Eliminates the requirement of written permission for the use of a handgun for lawful purposes by a minor (under age 18) where a parent or legal guardian is present at all times during such use. Prohibits the Attorney General from electronically retrieving inactive firearms licensee information by name or personal identification code. Directs the Attorney General to authorize the importation of all frames or receivers of rifles, or barrels for firearms other than handguns, if the importation is for repair or replacement purposes.

Date: 2009-04-30
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Protect Those Who Serve Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, any U.S. territory or possession, and any Indian tribe for the renovation, modernization, and construction of law enforcement facilities. Sets forth matching requirements for receipt of a grant.

Date: 2009-05-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to include a law enforcement officer of the Amtrak Police Department and the Federal Reserve or a law enforcement or police officer of the executive branch as a qualified law enforcement officer eligible to carry concealed firearms. Expands the definition of "firearm" to include ammunition not expressly prohibited by federal law or subject to the provisions of the National Firearms Act. Revises the definition of "qualified retired law enforcement officer" to: (1) include officers separated (currently, retired) in good standing from service with a public agency as a law enforcement officer; and (2) reduce the years-of-service requirement for such officers from 15 to 10 years. Revises: (1) requirements for firearms certification for such separated officers to allow firearms training in accordance with the standards of the officer's former agency, the state in which such officer resides, or if such state has not established training standards, standards established by a law enforcement agency within the state or those used by a certified firearms instructor; and (2) mental health requirements for such officers.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009 - 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: 2009-06-22
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Dale Long Emergency Medical Service Providers Protection Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1986 to include within the definitions of "member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew" and "public safety officer" for purposes of eligibility for public safety officers' benefits an officially recognized or designated employee or volunteer member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew that: (1) is a public agency or a nonprofit entity serving the public that is officially authorized or licensed to engage in rescue activity or to provide emergency medical services and that is officially designated as a prehospital emergency medical response agency; and (2) is engaging in rescue activity or in the provision of emergency medical services. Cancels $5 million of unobligated balances available under the Department of Justice (DOJ) Assets Forfeiture Fund. Makes this Act applicable to injuries sustained on or after June 1, 2009.

Date: 2009-06-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Emergency management
Amends the Act commonly known as the Federal Switchblade Act to exclude from the Act a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward blade closure and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome that bias.

Date: 2009-07-09
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Commerce
Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2009 - (Sec. 4) Establishes a nutria eradication program under which the Secretary of the Interior may provide financial assistance on a cost-sharing basis to Maryland, Louisiana, and the "coastal states" (Delaware, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington) to eradicate or control nutria and restore nutria-damaged wetland. (States that the program goal in Maryland is nutria eradication.) Requires the Maryland program to consist of management, research, and public education activities carried out in accordance with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's document "Eradication Strategies for Nutria in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay Watersheds." (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary and the National Invasive Species Council to: (1) give consideration to the report of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries entitled "Nutria in Louisiana," and the updated version of the "Eradication Strategies for the Nutria in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay Watersheds" document; (2) continue, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, a long-term nutria control or eradication program; and (3) develop, in cooperation with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, long-term nutria control or eradication programs. (Sec. 6) Authorizes specified FY2010-FY2014 appropriations for: (1) Maryland and Louisiana; and (2) the coastal states.

Date: 2009-07-27
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amtrak Secure Transportation of Firearms Act - Requires Amtrak, at a station that accepts checked baggage for a specific Amtrak route, to allow a passenger holding a ticket for such route to place an unloaded firearm or starter pistol in a bag that has been checked at the station if: (1) before checking the bag or boarding the train, the passenger declares to Amtrak that an unloaded firearm is in his or her checked bag; (2) the firearm is carried in a locked hard-sided container; and (3) only the passenger has the key or combination to such container. Allows an Amtrak passenger to place small arms ammunition for personal use in a checked bag on an Amtrak route if the ammunition is securely packed in specified kinds of boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry such ammunition. Prohibits the application of such requirements in any fiscal year in which Amtrak does not receive federal assistance.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Fighting Real Estate Fraud Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants on a competitive basis through the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to states, local governments, and Indian tribal governments to assist prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting real estate fraud. Defines "real estate fraud" to include crimes involving purposeful misrepresentations, forgeries, omissions to general applications, tax returns, financial statements, appraisals and valuations, verifications of deposit and employment, escrow and closing documents, credit reports, and any actions that may defraud a secured creditor. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the grant program in investigating and prosecuting real estate fraud.

Date: 2009-09-29
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the PROTECT Act to extend by 14 months the Child Safety Pilot Program (allowing certain volunteer organizations to obtain national and state criminal history background checks on their volunteers).

Date: 2010-01-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
State Witness Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties on any person who kills, or attempts to kill, a witness in a state or local judicial proceeding, who uses physical force or the threat of force against such a witness, or who offers such witness anything of value with the intent to: (1) influence, delay, or prevent the testimony or attendance of such witness at a state or local judicial proceeding; (2) prevent the production of a record or document in a state or local judicial proceeding, (3) cause or induce any person to withhold testimony or evidence, destroy evidence, evade legal process, or be absent from a state or local judicial proceeding; (4) hinder, delay, or prevent any person from providing information to a state or local law enforcement officer or judge; or (5) retaliate against any person for attending a state or local judicial proceeding or providing information to a law enforcement officer. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend guidelines to increase the sentencing range for obstruction of justice if such crime involved threatening, harming, or bribing a witness or the destruction of evidence.

Date: 2010-02-23
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Help Find the Missing Act or Billy's Law - Authorizes the Attorney General to maintain public databases, known as the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System or NamUs, to contain missing persons records and unidentified remains cases to assist in identifying missing people and solve cases of unidentified human remains. (Transfers to such System all functions, personnel, assets, liabilities, and administrative actions applicable to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System carried out by the National Institute of Justice before enactment of this Act.) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) share information on missing persons and unidentified human remains contained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing and Unidentified Person File database with the NamUs database; (2) update the online data entry format for such databases to allow states to report information to each database; (3) establish a grant program to assist in the reporting of missing persons and unidentified remains information to the NCIC and NamUs databases; (4) issue a report to the offices of medical examiners, offices of coroners, and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies describing the best practices for collecting, reporting, and analyzing data and information on missing persons and unidentified human remains; and (5) report to Congress on the status of the NCIC Missing and Unidentified Person File and NamUs databases. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to require reports of missing children (under age 21) to NamUs databases.

Date: 2010-02-23
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Open EAJA Act of 2010 - Directs the Attorney General to issue an annual online report to Congress and the public on the amount of attorney fees and other expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to the law commonly known as the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Directs the Comptroller General to commence an audit of the Equal Access to Justice Act for 1995 through the end of the calendar year in which this Act is enacted, and report to Congress on the audit results.

Date: 2010-03-16
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Law
Surreptitious Video Surveillance Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the unauthorized video surveillance of an individual who: (1) is in an area of a temporary or permanent residence that is not readily observable from a public location; and (2) has a reasonable expectation of privacy in the area. Prohibits (with exceptions) the use of such surveillance as evidence.

Date: 2010-04-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that: (1) by not later than two years after enactment of this Act, all applicants for law enforcement positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) receive polygraph examinations before being hired for such positions; and (2) by not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, CBP initiates all periodic background reinvestigations for all of its law enforcement personnel. Requires the Secretary to make periodic progress reports to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on CBP progress in complying with the requirements of this Act.

Date: 2010-04-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
SCAAP Reauthorization Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize appropriations for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) through FY2015.

Date: 2010-05-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Service Member Second Amendment Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense (DOD) from prohibiting, issuing any requirement relating to, or collecting or recording any information relating to the otherwise lawful acquisition, possession, ownership, carrying, or other use of a privately-owned firearm, privately-owned ammunition, or another privately-owned weapon by a member of the Armed Forces or a DOD civilian employee on property that is not owned or operated by DOD. Nullifies any existing DOD regulation promulgated prior to enactment of this Act that restricts weapon ownership or use in violation of this Act. Requires the destruction of any record containing information about weapon ownership or use that was collected prior to enactment of this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act limits the authority of the Secretary to: (1) regulate the possession, carrying, or other use of a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon by a member of the Armed Forces or by a DOD civilian employee while engaged in official duties or while wearing the uniform of an Armed Force; or (2) create or maintain records relating to an investigation, prosecution, or adjudication of any alleged violation of law.

Date: 2010-05-20
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Safe Treatment of Polluted Stormwater Runoff Act or STOPS Runoff Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a federal-aid highway runoff pollution management program to ensure that covered federal-aid highway projects are constructed in accordance with certain minimum standards designed to control and treat polluted stormwater runoff. Authorizes the Secretary to approve state covered highway projects receiving federal funding only if the state provides assurances that it will construct the project in accordance with such standards.

Date: 2010-07-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Officer Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act of 2010 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution used in determining a student's need for title IV assistance in the case of a student applicant who is eligible for a Pell Grant and whose parent or guardian died as a result of performing service as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew. Requires such student to be less than 24 years old and enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent's or guardian's death. Gives financial aid administrators the responsibility of verifying that such students are eligible to have their expected family contribution adjusted (or eliminated), and of adjusting (or eliminating) it, unless the Secretary of Education establishes an alternate method of adjusting their expected family contribution. Prohibits the total Pell Grant of a student whose Pell Grant is increased by reason of this Act from being considered in calculating that student's educational assistance benefits under the Public Safety Officer's Benefits program. Alters the source of the annual Pell Grant increase for such students to require that it be provided only to the extent that funds are specifically provided in advance to such students in an appropriation Act for that award year.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Education
Collectible Firearms Protection Act - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to allow the importation of certain firearms listed as curios or relics into the United States by a licensed importer without the requirement of an authorization from or payment to the Department of State or the Department of Defense upon certification to the Attorney General that such firearms are lawfully possessed under the laws of the exporting country.

Date: 2010-11-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: International affairs
Law Enforcement Officers Retirement Equity Act of 2010 - Redefines the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; and (2) such employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent tax returns. Requires that service performed by an incumbent law enforcement officer be treated: (1) for all purposes, as service performed as a law enforcement officer, irrespective of how such service is treated for retirement purposes; and (2) for retirement purposes, as service performed as such an officer, but only if an appropriate written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) five years after the enactment of this Act or before separation from government service, whichever is earlier.

Date: 2010-11-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Government operations and politics
National Blue Alert Act of 2010 - 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.

Date: 2010-11-18
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
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 resident of the state in which the member maintains legal residence or in which the member maintains a place of abode from which he or she 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 is a resident of the state in which the member maintains legal residence.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Fairness in Firearm Testing Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to make a video recording of the entire process of its examination and testing of an item for the purpose of determining whether the item is a firearm (and if so, the type of firearm) or ammunition. Bars ATF from editing or erasing any such recording. Directs ATF to make available a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording: (1) at the request of a person who claims an ownership interest in such item; and (2) to a defendant in a criminal proceeding involving such item. Provides that an item which ATF has determined is a firearm or ammunition shall not be admissible as evidence unless: (1) ATF has complied with the requirements of this Act to make its digital video disc available; or (2) such compliance has been waived in writing by the person against whom the item is offered as evidence.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Child Gun Safety and Gun Access Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to: (1) raise the age of handgun eligibility to 21 (currently, 18); and (2) prohibit persons under age 21 from possessing semiautomatic assault weapons or large capacity ammunition feeding devices, with exceptions. Increases penalties for: (1) a second or subsequent violation by a juvenile of Brady Act provisions or for a first violation committed after an adjudication of delinquency or after a state or federal conviction for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a serious violent felony; and (2) transferring a handgun, ammunition, semiautomatic assault weapon, or large capacity ammunition feeding device to a person who is under age 21, knowing or having reasonable cause to know that such person intended to use it in the commission of a crime of violence. Prohibits any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a firearm to any person (other than a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer) unless the transferee is provided with a secure gun storage or safety device. Authorizes the Attorney General to suspend or revoke any firearms license, or to subject the licensee to a civil penalty of up to $10,000, if the licensee has knowingly violated this prohibition. Prohibits keeping a loaded firearm or an unloaded firearm and ammunition within any premises knowing or recklessly disregarding the risk that a child: (1) is capable of gaining access to it; and (2) will use the firearm to cause death or serious bodily injury. Requires the parent or legal guardian of a child to ensure that a child attending a gun show is accompanied by an adult. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to enable local law enforcement agencies to develop and sponsor gun safety classes for parents and children. Expresses the sense of Congress that each school district should provide or participate in a firearms safety program for students.

Date: 2011-01-07
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act - Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for: (1) anyone whose federal license to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms has been revoked, or whose license renewal application has been denied, to transfer business inventory firearms into a personal collection or to an employee of such person or to receive a firearm that was a business inventory firearm as of the date of a revocation or renewal denial notice; and (2) anyone who has received a license revocation or renewal denial notice to transfer to any other person a firearm that was a business inventory firearm. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of not more than one year (five years for willful violations) for violations of this Act.

Date: 2011-01-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit: (1) the transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, except for its lawful possession within the United States on or before the date of this Act's enactment; and (2) the importation or bringing into the United States of such a device. Sets forth exceptions to such ban. Sets penalties for violations.Requires a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after this Act's enactment to be identified by a serial number that clearly shows that the device was manufactured after enactment and such other identification as the Attorney General may prescribe.

Date: 2011-01-18
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Directs the Secretary of Defense to authorize a Department of Defense (DOD) law enforcement officer to: (1) execute and serve a warrant or other process; (2) make an arrest without a warrant for any offense committed in the presence of the officer, or for any felony if the officer has probable cause to believe that the person arrested has committed or is committing the felony; and (3) carry firearms.

Date: 2011-01-19
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act - Amends the definition of the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; and (2) such employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns. Requires such service that is performed by an incumbent law enforcement officer: (1) on or after enactment of this Act to be treated for all purposes other than retirement as service performed as a law enforcement officer; and (2) before, on, or after enactment of this Act to be treated for federal retirement purposes as service performed as such an officer only if an appropriate written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within five years after enactment of this Act or before separation from government service, whichever is earlier. Provides that nothing under current law respecting mandatory separation from government service under CSRS or FERS shall cause the involuntary separation of an officer before the end of the three-year period following enactment.

Date: 2011-01-19
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Government operations and politics
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.

Date: 2011-01-20
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Freedom to Serve Without Fear Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any person from knowingly carrying a firearm in, or within 250 feet of an entrance to or exit from, a building or structure, or at, or within 500 feet of, any other place, where a Member of Congress is performing an official and representational duty or engaging in campaign activity as a candidate for federal, state, or local office, if there are visible at such distances signs which clearly and conspicuously state that a Member will be present and the time the Member will be present. Specifies exceptions, including pursuant to the express written permission of the Member or the chief of police of the locality involved. Requires a 10% reduction in funds a state would receive for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for a fiscal year if the state fails to have in effect by the specified compliance date laws and policies that similarly prohibit individuals from knowingly possessing firearms near a venue at which an elected or appointed state or local official is performing an official and representational duty or campaigning for public office.

Date: 2011-01-20
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing firefighting and fire prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations exempting a length of service award program from treatment as an employee pension benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Date: 2011-01-20
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Taxation
Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2011 - Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside the continental United States. Grants such an individual limited immunity under the federal criminal code and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration. Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) transfer each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it, and (2) publish information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum. Prohibits the Attorney General from destroying any such firearm which has been forfeited until five years after the forfeiture. Requires that any firearm transferred to a qualified museum be registered to the transferee. Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to a transfer to or by, or possession by, a museum which is open to the public and incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under applicable state law.

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Securing Citizens' Protection at Federal Events Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any person from carrying a firearm at a place which the person knows is a restricted firearms zone. Defines "restricted firearms zone" to mean within 1,000 feet of any structure in which, or at any other fixed place where: (1) a senior federal official is, within 30 minutes will be, or within the past 30 minutes was, holding an official event that is open to the public or carrying out an official or representational duty; or (2) such an official or a candidate for election for federal office is, will be, or was engaging in campaign activity as a candidate for election for federal office. Includes as affirmative defenses: (1) the person was a law enforcement officer, a designated federal protectee, or an individual employed and authorized by the employer to carry the firearm; (2) the person was carrying the firearm only on real property owned or rented by the person; and (3) the firearm was unloaded and in a locked container or otherwise not readily accessible for use and any ammunition was in a locked container separate from the firearm. Establishes penalties for violations.

Date: 2011-01-26
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
State and Local Law Enforcement Hatch Act Reform Act of 2011 - Amends the Hatch Act to: (1) allow state and local law enforcement officers to be candidates for the office of sheriff; and (2) allow sheriffs to engage in campaign activities by attending or speaking at political campaign rallies or events, holding or sponsoring political fundraisers, or appearing on political advertisements.Establishes a limitation period of six months after the later of the date of the alleged violation or the date of enactment of this Act for presenting charges against a law enforcement officer for Hatch Act violations.

Date: 2011-01-26
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Keep Kids Safe Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the possession of a firearm by, or the sale or transfer of a firearm to, any person who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor sex offense against a minor.

Date: 2011-01-26
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person to operate a gun show unless such person: (1) has attained 21 years of age; (2) is not prohibited from transporting, shipping, or receiving firearms and has not violated any federal firearms requirements; (3) has registered with the Attorney General as a gun show operator and has provided a photograph and fingerprints; (4) has not concealed material information nor made false statements in connection with a gun show operator registration; and (5) notifies the Attorney General of the date, time, and duration of a gun show not later than 30 days before the commencement of such show and verifies the identity of each vendor at the gun show.Imposes recordkeeping requirements on gun show operators and criminal penalties for failure to register as a gun show operator and maintain required records.Grants the Attorney General authority to enter the business premises of any gun show operator, without a showing of reasonable cause or a warrant, to examine records and inventory to determine compliance with this Act. Increases criminal penalties for serious recordkeeping violations and violations of criminal background check requirements. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to hire additional investigators to carry out inspections of gun shows.

Date: 2011-02-09
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Let's Re-Up the Troops-to-Cops Program Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow public safety and community policing grants to be used, during the three-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, to hire former honorably-discharged members of the Armed Forces to serve as career law enforcement officers for community-oriented policing, particularly in communities that are adversely affected by a recent military base closing.

Date: 2011-02-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Firefighting Investment, Renewal, and Employment Act or the FIRE Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to: (1) authorize appropriations for competitive grants for modifying, upgrading, or constructing non-federal fire stations for FY2012-FY2016; and (2) include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands within the definition of "state" for purposes of such Act.

Date: 2011-02-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Emergency management