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Week Ending July 21, 2006

H.R.4472 To protect children, to secure the safety of judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and their family members, to reduce and prevent gang violence, and for other purposes.

This crime and punishment oriented bill would clarify the purpose of and increase penalties for any variation of sexual abuse and abductions of minors including those in foster care, provide for the protection of judges, prosecutors, and police and their families and bolster the fight against gangs and gang members.

The bill aims towards providing grants to states that implement electronic monitoring of paroled sex offenders and increases penalties for those who fail to register their homeplace, workplace and other travel activities. Offenders not already having done so must produce a DNA sample. Among the provisions is included immunity from liability for the Federal Government, jurisdictions, political subdivisions of jurisdictions, and their agencies, officers, employees, and agents who acted in good faith conduct under the bill’s provisions. Failure to comply can bring ten years imprisonment.

The bill is seen as putting all states on the same page, so to speak, by assuring updated and accurate information online about sex offenders locations. States are expected to upgrade data on offenders regularly including current pictures and current change of addresses and employment information.

The bill also provides that court personnel, including judges and prosecutors, would be authorized to carry weapons and the bill increases penalties for crimes against the families of court personnel and law enforcement personnel.

The bill attempts to curtail street gangs, a growing problem in America, through increases in penalties for some of the most egregious crimes involving interstate travel to commit crimes and an outreach program targeting youths who might be otherwise influenced to join gangs.

Sponsor: Rep. James F Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI-5^th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote march 8, 2006. Passed Senate by voice vote July 21, 2006

Cost to the taxpayers: "CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4472 would cost about $1.5 billion over the 2006-2011 period."

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