zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Community Partners Neighborhood Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide: (1) a 50% discount for teachers and public safety officers purchasing certain eligible asset properties for use as their primary residence during a certain period of fiscal years, and (2) a $100 downpayment on any related insured mortgage. Authorizes such sales directly to a qualifying individual or to a unit of local government or a nonprofit organization for resale to such individual. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) should consult with the heads of other federal agencies that own or hold properties appropriate for use as housing to determine the possibility and effectiveness of including such properties in programs that make housing available for law enforcement officers, teachers, or fire fighters. Makes a public safety officer or teacher eligible to purchase any property owned or held by the Secretary pursuant to: (1) foreclosure of any HUD-insured mortgage; or (2) assignment of the mortgage, deed in lieu of foreclosure, conveyance of title, or any other acquisition of the property or mortgage in connection with the payment of insurance benefits by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to revise the Good Neighbor Next Door Initiative to provide that the subordinate mortgage on the property of a mortgagor who purchased it under the Initiative shall be released in any case in which the mortgagor loses his or her employment position as a law enforcement officer, teacher, firefighter, or emergency medical technician as a result of any reductions in force or other reason other than dismissal for cause. Directs the Secretary of HUD, in making any real estate owned by HUD available for purchase, to provide a preference for purchase by public safety officers and teachers.

Date: 2011-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Housing and community development
Law Enforcement Torture Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a prison term of up to 10 years on any person who, acting under color of law, commits, or attempts or conspires to commit, torture. Increases such prison term to any term of years or life if death results from such torture. Defines "torture" to mean intentionally inflicting severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, on a person for such purposes as obtaining from that person or another person information or a confession, punishing that person, or intimidating or coercing that person or another person, or for any reason based on discrimination, but does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in, or incidental to lawful sanctions.

Date: 2012-01-18
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Prohibits the use of federal funds to require a person licensed to deal in firearms to report information to the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the sale of multiple rifles or shotguns to the same person.

Date: 2012-01-24
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Improvements Act of 2012 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to revise provisions concerning public safety officer death or disability benefits, including by: (1) modifying the list of recipients of death benefits payable when a public safety officer has died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty to include as an eligible individual, if there is no other individual meeting existing eligibility requirements, the surviving individual (or individuals, in equal shares) who would qualify as an eligible "child" but for age; (2) providing that disability benefits shall be payable when an officer has become permanently and totally disabled as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury (currently, as the direct result of a catastrophic injury) sustained in the line of duty; (3) eliminating the $5,000,000 limit on total annual disability benefits paid; (4) providing that death or disability benefits shall not be in addition to payments under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001; (5) revising the criteria for death resulting from a heart attack, stroke, or vascular rupture suffered by a public safety officer while on duty; (6) including within the definitions of "member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew" and "public safety officer" an officially recognized or designated employee or volunteer member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew that 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 engages in rescue activities or provides emergency medical services as part of an official emergency response system; and (7) making those who have sustained a catastrophic injury in the line of duty eligible for peer support and counseling programs. Makes funds available for appeals from final determinations (currently, decisions) of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and for expenses of representation of hearing examiners, with respect to public safety officer's death benefits under specified circumstances. Provides that no appeal shall bring a final determination of the Bureau before any court for review unless notice of appeal is filed within 90 days after the date on which the Bureau serves notice of the final determination. Defines a "hearing examiner" under such Act to include any medical or claims examiner. Makes this Act applicable to injuries sustained by a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew on or after June 1, 2009. Makes provisions regarding the presumption of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty for public safety officers applicable to heart attacks, strokes, and vascular ruptures sustained on or after December 15, 2003.

Date: 2012-02-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Guns-Free National Parks Act of 2012 - Amends the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 to repeal the provisions relating to the carrying of certain firearms in units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Date: 2012-02-16
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Straw Purchaser Penalty Enhancement Act - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for an additional sentence of two years' imprisonment for violating the prohibitions against making false statements or misrepresenting identification regarding the acquisition of a firearm or ammunition: (1) knowing that the violation will further the transfer of two or more firearms to a person prohibited by law from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm; and (2) with the intent to conceal such person's identity from the transferor. Prohibits the court from: (1) placing any person convicted of such violation on probation; and (2) reducing a term of imprisonment for such a violation so as to compensate for, or otherwise take into account, a term of imprisonment imposed or to be imposed for a separate such violation. Prohibits a term of imprisonment imposed under this Act from running concurrently with a term imposed on the person under any other legal provision, except that a term imposed may, in the court's discretion, run concurrently with another term imposed by the court at the same time for a separate such violation, subject to applicable guidelines and policy statements issued by the United States Sentencing Commission. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations requiring any form required to be completed by the purchaser of a firearm from a licensed person to include a notice of the provisions of this Act.

Date: 2012-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
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: 2012-03-27
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2012 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend through FY2016 the grant program for armor vests for law enforcement officers.

Date: 2012-05-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Allows any fire department with a service area that comprises all territory, population, and housing units in rural areas or outside a city or town with a population of less than 20,000 people to apply for a federal grant for which it would otherwise be eligible regardless of whether it has completed the National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. Requires any such department that receives a grant to complete such training by the end of the period covered by the grant award. Allows the department to claim the cost of such training as an allowable cost under the grant.

Date: 2012-06-06
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Emergency management
Justice Exists for All of Us Act of 2012 - Prohibits a state, for each fiscal year beginning after three years after enactment of this Act, from having in effect a law or policy that: (1) allows a person to use deadly force when such person is threatened and that does not, except where the person is a victim of domestic violence, impose a duty to retreat before using such force in any place where that person is lawfully present (commonly known as a "stand your ground law"); or (2) allows the establishment, organization, or operation of, or participation in, a Neighborhood Watch program that is not registered with the local law enforcement agency and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Allows the Attorney General to authorize up to two one-year extensions of such deadline. Provides that a state that fails to substantially implement this Act for any fiscal year shall not receive 20% of the funds that would otherwise be allocated to it under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. Provides for alternative procedures for compliance by a state that is unable to substantially implement this Act because of a conflict with the state's constitution.

Date: 2012-06-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Services to Allow New Destinations for Tourism Act or STAND for Tourism Act - Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to authorize the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), upon request, to enter into agreements with persons for the CBP to provide additional customs and immigration services at Customs ports of entry. Requires such persons to pay a fee to reimburse CBP for such services.

Date: 2012-06-19
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to assist states with costs associated with the implementation of minimum or enhanced DNA collection processes. Defines such processes for the purpose of this Act.

Date: 2012-06-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize appropriations for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program through FY2017.

Date: 2012-06-29
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Detectives Nemorin and Andrews Anti-Gun Trafficking Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 20 years for the sale, transfer, or barter of a stolen firearm or a firearm with an altered serial number or for the sale of such firearms to persons prohibited from possessing them; (2) impose an additional five-year prison term for possession of a stolen or altered firearm during the commission of a felony; (3) require licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, or dealers to contact the national instant stolen gun check system before receiving firearms from any unlicensed person; and (4) increase criminal penalties for the use of a stolen or altered firearm during the commission of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. Amends the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act to: (1) include illegal gun trafficking in Department of Justice (DOJ) programs to combat violations of federal firearms laws, and (2) authorize appropriations for FY2012 to hire additional assistant U.S. attorneys. Directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to make the National Crime Information Center Gun File available to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to complete crime gun traces. Requires the ATF to: (1) notify law enforcement agencies of information relating to stolen firearms, and (2) return stolen firearms to persons who reported them as stolen. Requires the Attorney General to establish a national instant stolen gun check system.

Date: 2012-07-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to: (1) authorize the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Administrator to appoint a Deputy Administrator (current law requires the Deputy Administrator to be appointed by the President), (2) authorize the USFA Administrator to take such steps as the Administrator considers appropriate to educate the public and overcome public indifference as to individual preparedness (as well as to fire and fire prevention), and (3) authorize appropriations to carry out such Act through FY2017. Repeals a provision that placed a cap on amounts made available to update the National Fire Incident Reporting System during FY2009-FY2011.

Date: 2012-07-30
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Emergency management
Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to require the licensing of ammunition dealers. Prohibits any person except a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from: (1) selling ammunition, with an exception for a sale of ammunition to a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer; or (2) engaging in the business of importing or manufacturing ammunition, or in the course of such business, from shipping, transporting, or receiving ammunition. Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from: (1) transferring ammunition to a person without verifying the person's identity by examining a valid identification document containing a photograph of such person; or (2) selling or delivering any ammunition (currently, any armor-piercing ammunition) to any person unless the licensee notes in his records the person's name, age, and place of residence, if the person is an individual, or the person's identity and principal and local places of business, if the person is a business entity. Applies prohibitions applicable to the shipping or transport of firearms, and record-keeping requirements applicable to the importation, production, shipment, receipt, sale, or other disposition of firearms, to ammunition. Requires each licensee to: (1) prepare a report of multiple sales or other dispositions whenever the licensee sells or otherwise disposes of more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition to an unlicensed person at one time or during any five consecutive business days; and (2) forward such report to the specified office and to the department of state police, the state law enforcement agency, or the local law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction in which the sale took place by the close of business on the day the multiple sale occurs.

Date: 2012-07-31
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Reasonable Policies on Automated License Plate Readers Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to prohibit assistance under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program or the Public Safety and Community Policing grant program to a law enforcement agency that uses an automated license plate reader unless the agency has developed written and binding policies for the use of the reader that ensure that data collected by the reader: (1) is not stored for a period exceeding 30 days unless the data is being used in an active law enforcement investigation; (2) is not stored in a statewide database or other database that consolidates data from such readers; and (3) is shared with an entity other than the agency that operates it only if the entity is another law enforcement agency, the data is to be used in an active law enforcement investigation, and the data is provided in response to a specific request for the data.

Date: 2012-08-02
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Border Security Information Improvement Act of 2012 - Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to study and jointly report to specified congressional committees on cross-border violence on the southwest border of the United States. Requires such study to include: (1) the definition of cross-border violence used by law enforcement components within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (2) the ability of DOJ and DHS and their law enforcement components to track, investigate, quantify, and report on such violence; (3) the extent to which DOJ and DHS define and track cross-border violence and steps being taken to address the effects of such violence along that border; (4) the information and data on cross-border violence collected and made available through interagency task forces; and (5) the additional resources needed.

Date: 2012-09-10
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations for FY2013-FY2017 to: (1) the Attorney General for protection and assistance for aliens who are victims of trafficking, and (2) the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate severe forms of trafficking in persons. Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 to authorize appropriations for FY2013-FY2017 to the Attorney General to make grants to states and local law enforcement agencies for programs to combat trafficking in persons. Amends federal criminal code provisions regarding transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity to revise the definition of "illicit sexual conduct" to include: (1) sexual contact (currently limited to a sexual act) with a minor, and (2) production of child pornography.

Date: 2012-09-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to states to prevent teacher layoffs and support the creation of additional jobs in early childhood, elementary, and secondary public education in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years. Directs the Secretary to allocate grant funds based on each state's: (1) population of individuals aged 5 through 17 relative to all other states, and (2) total population relative to all other states. Sets forth application requirements, including assurances with respect to maintenance of state support for early childhood, elementary, and secondary education at no less than FY2011 levels. Requires a state to: (1) reserve 10% of grant funds for awards to state-funded early learning programs; and (2) allocate remaining funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) based on each LEA's enrollment, and the amount of funds received by the LEA for basic programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, relative to the enrollment of and amounts received by all other LEAs in the state. Requires early learning programs and LEAs to use such funds only to pay compensation, benefits, and other expenses necessary to retain existing employees, recall or rehire former employees, or hire new employees to provide early childhood, elementary, or secondary educational and related services. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to make competitive grants to hire, rehire, and retain firefighters pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 and to maintain resources for fire departments; and (2) the Attorney General to make competitive grants to hire, rehire, and retain career law enforcement officers pursuant to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY2012-FY2013 for such grants.

Date: 2012-09-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to repeal a reporting requirement under the DNA identification grant program that requires each state or local government that receives a grant to submit to the Attorney General, for each year in which funds are expended, a report on the activities carried out and an assessment of whether such activities are meeting the needs identified in the grant application.

Date: 2012-11-27
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to eliminate certain limitations on the length of Secret Service protection for former Presidents and their spouses and children. Authorizes the Secret Service to protect: (1) former Presidents and their spouses for their lifetimes, except that protection of a spouse shall terminate in the event of remarriage; and (2) children of a former President who are under age 16.

Date: 2012-11-30
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Securing Our Borders and Our Data Act of 2011 [sic] - Sets forth rules for the search or seizure at a U.S. border of digital electronic devices or digital storage media. Prohibits a search of the digital contents of such devices or media unless such search is based on: (1) a reasonable suspicion regarding the owner of such devices or media, and (2) an independent constitutional authority to make a seizure (other than the authority for border searches). Requires officers at U.S. borders to receive appropriate training to make searches of digital devices or media to minimize the possibility of irreparable damage to such devices or media. Allows the owners of such devices and media to request that searches be conducted out of public view. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) make rules regarding border searches of digital devices and storage media, including rules to protect the integrity of digital data, for the retrieval of seized devices or media by owners, and for sharing such data with other governmental agencies; and (2) publish such rules on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. Requires the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct an annual study of searches and seizures of digital devices and storage media at U.S. borders and report to Congress on such study.

Date: 2012-12-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Law
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: 2011-01-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2011 - 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: 2011-01-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Gun Show Background Check Act of 2011 - 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: 2011-01-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Common Sense Concealed Firearms Permit Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to direct each state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms to establish a process through which a resident must obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Requires a state to: (1) ensure that a local law enforcement agency participates in the process; and (2) require that an applicant be a legal resident of the United States, be not less than 21 years of age, demonstrate good cause for requesting the permit, and demonstrate that he or she is worthy of the public trust to carry a concealed firearm in public. Requires any such process that allows an agency other than a law enforcement agency to issue such permits to require: (1) a local law enforcement agency to submit to the agency responsible a written report that describes whether the applicant meets the state's standards to carry a concealed firearm, and (2) the agency responsible to maintain such report in the applicant's file.

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
COPS Improvements Act of 2011 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to modify the public safety and community policing grant program (COPS ON THE BEAT grant program) to: (1) establish within the Department of Justice (DOJ), under the general authority of the Attorney General, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to be headed by a Director; and (2) authorize the Attorney General to carry out more than one such program. Repeals provisions authorizing: (1) the Attorney General to give preferential consideration to applications for hiring and rehiring additional career law enforcement officers that involve a non-federal contribution exceeding a 25% minimum; and (2) the use of such grants to develop and implement either innovative programs to permit members of the community to assist state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies in the prevention of crime in the community or new administrative and managerial systems to facilitate the adoption of community-oriented policing as an organization-wide philosophy. Authorizes the use of such grants to: (1) hire school resource officers and establish local partnerships to combat crime, gangs, drug activities, and other problems in elementary and secondary schools; (2) establish and implement innovative programs to reduce and prevent illegal drug manufacturing, distribution, and use; (3) meet emerging law enforcement needs; (4) hire former members of the Armed Forces to serve as career law enforcement officers for deployment in community-oriented policing; (5) pay for additional community prosecuting programs to handle cases from specific geographic areas and to address counter-terrorism problems and violent crime in local communities; and (6) develop new technologies to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in crime prevention and training. Directs the Attorney General to ensure that the same percentage of the total number of eligible applicants in each state receive a grant. Authorizes the Attorney General to extend grant periods and to renew grants if the grant recipient can demonstrate significant progress in achieving the objectives of the initial grant application. Includes officers for the Amtrak Police Department within the definition of "career law enforcement officer" for purposes of such grant program. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations for the program for FY2012-FY2017.

Date: 2011-01-26
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011 - Amends the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (NICS Act) to increase the amount of a state's allocation under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program that the Attorney General shall withhold to: (1) 15% in FY2013-FY2017 if the state provides less than 75% of the records required to be provided under the NICS Act's requirements regarding making data electronically available to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and (2) 25% in FY2018 and thereafter if the state provides less than 90% of the records required. Authorizes the Attorney General to reduce the percentage of the amount withheld if a state provides substantial evidence that it is making a reasonable effort to comply. Requires any withheld funds to be transferred to the appropriations account for state and local law enforcement assistance, Office of Justice Programs, of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Expresses the sense of Congress that any funds transferred should be used to carry out activities described in the NICS Act. Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require each federal agency to submit to the Attorney General a semiannual written certification indicating whether it has provided the pertinent information in any record in its possession identifying persons prohibited from purchasing or receiving firearms or ammunition. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each college, university, or postsecondary institution that receives federal funds under such Act or financial assistance under any federal program to develop and implement a mental health assessment plan for assessing, reporting, and referring students who pose a safety risk to themselves or others, informing their families, and addressing such risks. Amends the federal criminal code to set forth criteria for: (1) drawing an inference that a person is an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and (2) defining a person as "addicted to any controlled substance." Extends Brady Act background check procedures to unlicensed transferors and transferees of firearms. Specifies exceptions.

Date: 2011-03-02
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to assist states with costs associated with the implementation of minimum or enhanced DNA collection processes. Defines such processes for the purpose of this Act. Awards bonus payments to states that have implemented and used an enhanced DNA collection process.

Date: 2011-03-09
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Prohibits the use of federal funds to require a person licensed to deal in firearms to report information to the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the sale of multiple rifles or shotguns to the same person.

Date: 2011-03-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
National Blue Alert Act of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, and (2) assign an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator of such 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 that address activities during the period between the initial notification of a law enforcement agency that a suspect has not been apprehended and the time of apprehension of the suspect, or when the law enforcement agency involved determines that the Blue Alert is no longer effective; (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 regional coordination of Blue Alerts; and (7) determining which procedures and practices for notifying law enforcement and the public when a law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured are effective and do not require the expenditure of additional resources to implement. Prohibits the national coordinator from: (1) lobbying any officer of a state regarding the funding or implementation of a Blue Alert plan, or (2) hosting a conference focused solely on the Blue Alert program that requires the expenditure of federal funds. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to: (1) authorize public safety and community policing grants to be used to assist states in developing and enhancing programs and activities in support of a Blue Alert plan and communications network, and (2) authorize appropriations for such purpose.

Date: 2011-03-28
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act of 2011 - Amends the federal judicial code and the federal criminal code to authorize the United States Marshals Service to issue administrative subpoenas solely for the investigation of unregistered sex offenders. Directs the Attorney General to report annually on: (1) the number of such subpoenas issued, (2) the crime being investigated pursuant to each subpoena, and (3) the number of unregistered sex offenders arrested subsequent to the issuance of such a subpoena and the information that led to each individual's arrest.

Date: 2011-03-29
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Law
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 qualifying firearm at or before the time at which the individual registered the qualifying firearm. 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 curio or relic firearm that is 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. 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 nonprofit corporation under applicable state law.

Date: 2011-04-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2011 - 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: 2011-04-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Text a Tip Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to state or local police departments to implement an anonymous tip program using cell phone text messaging to assist police in preventing and solving crimes. Sets forth requirements for such program, including that: (1) state or local law police departments shall administer the program; (2) incoming text messages shall be stripped of any identifying information and the text tip shall not be traceable by any means; (3) police departments shall train sufficient personnel to intercept and respond to text tips; (4) the program shall be made compatible with most mobile phone providers; and (5) police departments shall promote the participation of citizens, especially youth, in the program.

Date: 2011-05-11
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Law Enforcement Officers Retirement Equity Act of 2011 - 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 if an appropriate written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) not later than the earlier of five years after the date of enactment of this Act and the day before the incumbent separates from government service. 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: 2011-05-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to require a financial institution to report a suspicious transaction relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation only upon request of an appropriate law enforcement agency.

Date: 2011-05-25
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act - Amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to: (1) authorize a state to pay up to 90% of the costs of acquiring land for, expanding, or constructing a public target range; (2) authorize a state to elect to allocate 10% of a specified amount apportioned to it from the federal aid to wildlife restoration fund for such costs; (3) limit the federal share of such costs under such Act to 90%; and (4) require amounts provided for such costs under such Act to remain available for expenditure and obligation for five fiscal years. Shields the United States from any civil action or claim for money damages for injury to or loss of property, personal injury, or death caused by an activity occurring at a public target range that is funded by the federal government pursuant to such Act or located on federal land, except to the extent provided under the Federal Tort Claims Act with respect to the exercise or performance of a discretionary function. Urges the Chief of the Forest Service and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to cooperate with state and local authorities and other entities to carry out waste removal and other activities on any federal land used as a public target range to encourage its continued use for target practice or marksmanship training.

Date: 2011-06-22
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fire Police Fairness Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include a fire police officer as a public safety officer for purposes of death benefits provisions. Defines a "fire police officer" as an individual who: (1) is serving in accordance with state or local law as a member of a legally organized public safety agency but is not a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, a chaplain, or a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew; and (2) is officially deployed to provide scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire, rescue, or police emergency or at a planned special event.

Date: 2011-06-30
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: 2011-10-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Agencies)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement