Summary:
Stronger Enforcement of Civil Penalties Act of 2013 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to increase the money penalties in administrative and civil actions involving securities laws violations.

Prescribes a fourth tier penalty of triple monetary penalties for noncompliance with certain enforcement actions if the violator, within the five-year period preceding the prohibited act, was criminally convicted for securities fraud or became subject to a judgment or order imposing monetary, equitable, or administrative relief in any Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) action alleging fraud by such violator.

Applies the treatment as a separate offense each day that a violation of an SEC cease-and-desist order is committed through continuing noncompliance to violation of any action to enforce a federal court injunction or certain SEC orders that bar, suspend, place limitations on the activities or functions of, or prohibit the activities of, a person.

stronger enforcement civil penalties act amends securities act securities_exchange_act investment company act investment advisers act increase money penalties administrative civil actions involving securities laws violations prescribes fourth tier penalty triple monetary penalties noncompliance certain enforcement actions violator year period preceding prohibited act criminally convicted securities fraud subject judgment order imposing monetary equitable administrative relief securities_and_exchange_commission sec action alleging fraud violator applies treatment separate offense day violation sec cease desist order committed continuing noncompliance violation action enforce federal court injunction certain sec orders bar suspend place limitations activities functions prohibit activities person


Summary:
Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2013 - (Sec. 3) Prohibits knowingly stealing specified metal being used in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, the theft of which is from, and which harms, critical infrastructure.

Defines "specified metal" to include metal that is: (1) marked with the name, logo, or initials of a city, county, state, or federal government entity, a railroad, an electric, gas, or water company, a telephone company, a cable company, a retail establishment, a beer supplier or distributor, or a public utility; (2) part of certain infrastructure items, such as a street light pole, guard rail, storm water grate, or grave marker; (3) a wire or cable commonly used by communications and electrical utilities; or (4) copper, aluminum, and other metal that is valuable for recycling or reuse as raw metal (except for aluminum cans and motor vehicles, the purchases of which are reported to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System).

(Sec. 4) Prohibits a recycling agent from purchasing specified metal: (1) unless the seller provides documentation of ownership or other proof of the authority to sell such metal and there is a reasonable basis to believe that the documentation provided is valid; or (2) that the agent knows or should know, based upon commercial experience and practice, to be stolen.

(Sec. 5) Requires a recycling agent to maintain specified written or electronic records of each purchase of specified metal for two years. Allows any information in such records to be disclosed to any federal, state, or local law enforcement authority or as otherwise directed by a court of law.

Prohibits a recycling agent from paying cash for a single purchase of such metal of more than $100. Considers more than 1 purchase in any 48-hour period from the same seller to be a single purchase. Requires a recycling agent, for a purchase exceeding $100, to make payment by a check that is payable to the seller and that includes the seller's name and address.

Permits a recycling agent to make payments for a purchase of specified metal of more than $100 from a governmental or commercial supplier of specified metal with which the agent has an established commercial relationship by electronic funds transfer or other established commercial transaction payment method through a commercial bank if the agent maintains a written record that identifies the seller, the amount paid, and the date of purchase.

Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.

(Sec. 6) Authorizes the Attorney General to bring an enforcement action in U.S. district court, or authorizes an an attorney general or equivalent regulator of a state to bring a civil action in the name of the state for monetary or equitable relief, for a violation of this Act.

(Sec. 8) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to a person convicted of the theft of such metal.

(Sec. 9) Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt any state or local law regulating the sale or purchased of specified metal, the reporting of such transactions, or any other aspect of the metal recycling industry.

metal theft prevention act sec prohibits knowingly stealing specified metal affecting interstate foreign commerce theft harms critical infrastructure defines specified metal include metal marked logo initials city county state federal_government entity railroad electric gas water company telephone company cable company retail establishment beer supplier distributor public utility certain infrastructure items street light guard rail storm water grave marker wire cable commonly communications electrical utilities copper aluminum metal valuable recycling reuse raw metal aluminum motor vehicles purchases reported national motor vehicle title information system sec prohibits recycling agent purchasing specified metal seller provides documentation ownership proof authority sell metal reasonable basis believe documentation provided valid agent knows know based commercial experience practice stolen sec requires recycling agent maintain specified written electronic records purchase specified metal years allows information records disclosed federal state local law enforcement authority directed court law prohibits recycling agent paying cash single purchase metal considers purchase hour period seller single purchase requires recycling agent purchase exceeding payment check payable seller includes seller address permits recycling agent payments purchase specified metal governmental commercial supplier specified metal agent established commercial relationship electronic funds transfer established commercial transaction payment method commercial bank agent maintains written record identifies seller paid date purchase sets forth penalties violations act sec authorizes attorney general bring enforcement action district_court authorizes attorney general equivalent regulator state bring civil action state monetary equitable relief violation act sec directs sentencing commission review amend federal sentencing guidelines policy statements applicable person convicted theft metal sec provides act shall construed preempt state local law regulating sale purchased specified metal reporting transactions aspect metal recycling industry


Summary: Gideon's Promise Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require grant applicants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to include in grant applications a comprehensive state-wide plan for the improvement of the administration of the criminal justice system. Makes it unlawful for government entities or their agents to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives indigent defendants of their constitutional rights to assistance of counsel in criminal proceedings.

promise act_-_amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act require grant applicants edward_byrne_memorial_justice assistance grant program include grant applications comprehensive state wide plan improvement administration criminal justice system makes unlawful government entities agents engage pattern practice conduct indigent defendants constitutional rights assistance counsel criminal proceedings


Summary: Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013 - Amends the federal criminal code to authorize a federal court to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum if necessary to avoid violating federal provisions prescribing factors courts must consider in imposing a sentence. Requires the court to give the parties notice of its intent to impose a lower sentence and to state in writing the factors requiring such a sentence.

justice safety act amends federal criminal code authorize federal court impose sentence statutory minimum necessary avoid violating federal provisions prescribing factors courts consider imposing sentence requires court parties notice intent impose lower sentence state writing factors requiring sentence


Summary:
Fourth Amendment Preservation and Protection Act of 2013 - Prohibits the federal government or a state or local government from obtaining or seeking to obtain information relating to an individual or group of individuals held by a third party in a system of records, except as authorized by this Act. Deems information obtained otherwise to be inadmissible in a criminal prosecution in a court of law.

Permits the government to obtain, and a court to admit, information relating to an individual held by a third party in a system of records if: (1) the individual whose name or identification information the government is using to access the information provides express and informed consent to the search; or (2) the government obtains a warrant, upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

fourth amendment preservation protection act prohibits federal_government state local government obtaining seeking obtain information relating individual group individuals held party system records authorized act deems information obtained inadmissible criminal prosecution court law permits government obtain court admit information relating individual held party system records individual identification information government access information provides express informed consent search government obtains warrant probable cause supported oath affirmation particularly describing place persons things seized


Summary:
Military Crime Victims' Rights Act of 2013 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to provide specific rights for victims of offenses under the UCMJ, including the right to: (1) be protected from the accused; (2) reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the offense; (3) not be excluded from such proceeding (with an exception), and to be heard; (4) confer with trial counsel in the case; (5) full and timely restitution; (6) proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and (7) be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.

Requires the military judge to ensure such rights in any court-martial proceeding, and requires all others involved in the matter (counsel, investigators, etc.) to make their best efforts to afford such rights. Provides for the enforcement of such rights throughout the process.

Provides for the assumption of such rights by a legal guardian, family member, or estate representative in the case of a victim who is under 18 years old, incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to modify the Manual for Courts-Martial to prescribe regulations for the enforcement of such rights.

military crime victims rights act amends uniform code military justice ucmj provide specific rights victims offenses ucmj including right protected accused reasonable accurate timely notice public proceeding involving offense excluded proceeding exception heard confer trial counsel case timely restitution proceedings free unreasonable delay treated fairness respect victim dignity privacy requires military judge ensure rights court martial proceeding requires involved matter counsel investigators etc best efforts afford rights provides enforcement rights process provides assumption rights legal guardian family member estate representative case victim years old incompetent incapacitated deceased directs secretary defense dod modify manual courts martial prescribe regulations enforcement rights


Summary:
Aaron's Law Act of 2013 - Amends provisions of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) prohibiting computer fraud to replace the phrase "exceeds authorized access" with "access without authorization," which is defined as obtaining information on a protected computer that the accesser lacks authorization to obtain by knowingly circumventing one or more technological or physical measures that are designed to exclude or prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining that information.

Modifies CFAA penalty provisions to: (1) limit the imposition of enhanced penalties to subsequent offenses under such Act (currently, additional penalties are allowed if there is a conviction for another offense) and to criminal acts punishable under federal or state law by a term of imprisonment for more than one year; and (2) require the determination of the value of information for enhanced penalty purposes to be made by reference to fair market value.

law act amends provisions computer fraud abuse act prohibiting computer fraud replace phrase exceeds authorized access access authorization defined obtaining information protected computer lacks authorization obtain knowingly technological physical measures designed exclude prevent unauthorized individuals obtaining information modifies penalty provisions limit imposition enhanced penalties subsequent offenses act currently additional penalties allowed conviction offense criminal acts punishable federal state law term imprisonment year require determination value information enhanced penalty purposes reference fair market value


Summary:
End Sex Trafficking Act of 2013 - Amends: (1) the federal criminal code to expand the scope of prohibitions against sex trafficking to include patronizing or soliciting a commercial sex act with a victim of sex trafficking, and (2) the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to expand the definition of "sex trafficking" to include patronizing or soliciting a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act.

Directs the Attorney General to ensure that all task forces and working groups within the Innocence Lost National Initiative engage in activities, programs, or operations to increase the investigative capabilities of state and local law enforcement officers in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of persons who patronize or solicit children for sex.

end sex trafficking act amends federal criminal code expand scope prohibitions sex trafficking include soliciting commercial sex act victim sex trafficking trafficking_victims_protection_act expand definition sex trafficking include soliciting person purpose commercial sex act directs attorney general ensure task forces working groups innocence lost national initiative engage activities programs operations increase investigative capabilities state local law enforcement officers detection investigation prosecution persons solicit children sex


Summary:
Intelligence Oversight and Surveillance Reform Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to provide additional requirements for obtaining orders for business records in counterterrorism investigations, including that the records sought pertain to a foreign power, an agent of a foreign power, or an individual in contact with, or known to a suspected agent of, a foreign power. Requires additional information if the applicant is seeking a nondisclosure requirement in connection with such request. Allows the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to apply for renewals of nondisclosure requirements.

Authorizes the Attorney General (AG), on an emergency basis and under specified conditions, to require the production of call data records by the provider of a wire or electronic communication service.

Imposes additional requirements on the authorized use of pen registers and trap and trace devices (devices for recording incoming and outgoing telephone numbers), including that: (1) the information sought must pertain to a foreign power, agent thereof, or individual in contact with or known to such an agent; and (2) the application must contain a statement of proposed minimization procedures (procedures designed to minimize the acquisition and retention of such information and to prohibit its unauthorized dissemination).

Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from conducting a search of a collection of communications in order to find the communications of a particular U.S. person. Provides exceptions.

Includes among the procedures the Attorney General is required to adopt for targeting persons outside the United States to acquire foreign intelligence information procedures that are reasonably designed to limit the acquisition of the contents of any communication to communications to which any party is a target of the acquisition or communications that refer to such target, if such communications are acquired to protect against international terrorism. Requires acquisition authorization when a significant purpose is to acquire the communications of a particular, known person reasonably believed to be in the United States (thereby, in effect, disallowing random or reverse acquisition targeting). Prohibits the use against any U.S. person of unlawfully obtained information, except with the consent of such person or if the information indicates a threat of death or serious bodily harm to any person. Provides for challenges to surveillance by U.S. persons.

Establishes within the judiciary a Constitutional Advocate to review each application to and decision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA Court). Authorizes the Advocate to participate in FISA Court proceedings or a petition review pool proceeding and to appeal any decisions of such bodies. Requires the AG to publicly disclose certain decisions of the FISA Court and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review. Allows for certain Advocate petitions to such Courts.

Revises requirements for national security letters (drafted by the FBI and requesting communications records of a person or entity) to require the Director to certify reasonable grounds to believe that such records pertain to a foreign power, agent thereof, or individual in contact with or known to such agent. Provides similar requirements with respect to national security letters requesting financial or consumer report records. Requires additional information in the public reporting on the use of national security letters.

Allows electronic service providers to publicly report on information provided under FISA orders and national security letters. Exempts such providers from liability with respect to such reports. Revises generally requirements concerning government reporting on the use of FISA orders.

Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to remove the AG as a required intermediary for subpoenas in connection with authorized activities of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

intelligence oversight surveillance reform_act_-_amends foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act fisa provide additional requirements obtaining orders business records counterterrorism investigations including records sought pertain foreign power agent foreign power individual contact known suspected agent foreign power requires additional information applicant seeking nondisclosure requirement connection request allows director federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi apply renewals nondisclosure requirements authorizes attorney general emergency basis specified conditions require production data records provider wire electronic communication service imposes additional requirements authorized use pen registers trap trace devices devices recording incoming outgoing telephone numbers including information sought pertain foreign power agent thereof individual contact known agent application contain statement proposed minimization procedures procedures designed minimize acquisition retention information prohibit unauthorized dissemination prohibits officer employee conducting search collection communications order find communications particular person provides exceptions includes procedures attorney general required adopt targeting persons outside united_states acquire foreign intelligence information procedures reasonably designed limit acquisition contents communication communications party target acquisition communications refer target communications acquired protect international terrorism requires acquisition authorization significant purpose acquire communications particular known person reasonably believed united_states effect random reverse acquisition targeting prohibits use person unlawfully obtained information consent person information indicates threat death bodily harm person provides challenges surveillance persons establishes judiciary constitutional advocate review application decision foreign_intelligence_surveillance_court fisa_court authorizes advocate participate fisa_court proceedings petition review pool proceeding appeal decisions bodies requires publicly disclose certain decisions fisa_court foreign_intelligence_surveillance_court_of_review allows certain advocate petitions courts revises requirements national security letters fbi requesting communications records person entity require director certify reasonable grounds believe records pertain foreign power agent thereof individual contact known agent provides similar requirements respect national security letters requesting financial consumer report records requires additional information public reporting use national security letters allows electronic service providers publicly report information provided fisa orders national security letters exempts providers liability respect reports revises generally requirements concerning government reporting use fisa orders amends intelligence_reform_and_terrorism_prevention_act remove required intermediary subpoenas connection authorized activities privacy_and_civil_liberties_oversight_board


Summary:
Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ending Eavesdropping, Dragnet-collection, and Online Monitoring Act or the USA FREEDOM Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to set forth additional requirements for obtaining orders for business records in counterterrorism investigations, including requiring that the records sought pertain to a foreign power, an agent of a foreign power, or an individual in contact with, or known to a suspected agent of, a foreign power. Requires additional information if the applicant is seeking a nondisclosure requirement in connection with such request. Allows the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to apply for renewals of nondisclosure requirements. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to require the production of call data records by the provider of a wire or electronic communication service.

Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvements and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to require the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Justice (DOJ), for 2010 through 2013, to report on an examination of the minimization procedures (procedures designed to minimize the acquisition and retention of information and to prohibit its unauthorized dissemination) used in relation to business records orders.

Imposes additional requirements on the authorized use of pen registers and trap and trace devices (devices for recording incoming and outgoing telephone numbers), including that: (1) the information sought must pertain to a foreign power, agent thereof, or individual in contact with or known to such an agent; and (2) the application must contain a statement of proposed minimization procedures. Requires audits of the effectiveness and use of such devices.

Prohibits the searching of collections of communications of U.S. persons, except: (1) under an order or authorization for electronic surveillance or physical search, (2) with the consent of such person, or (3) under a reasonable belief that the life or safety of the person in threatened and the information is sought to assist that person.

Limits the collection of wholly domestic communications of a U.S. person to those communications: (1) to which any party is a target of the acquisition; or (2) that contain an identifier of a target of an acquisition, only if the communications are acquired to protect against international terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Prohibits receiving into evidence any information obtained in an acquisition against any U.S. person for which a deficiency in the procedures for acquiring such information is identified by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA Court). Authorizes the FISA Court, if the government corrects any deficiencies so identified, to permit the use or disclosure of information acquired before the correction under such minimization procedures as the FISA Court shall establish.

Repeals on June 1, 2015, FISA procedures regarding the targeting of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States in order to acquire foreign intelligence information. Requires reviews of surveillance targeting and minimization procedures by the IG of the Intelligence Community (IC), including mandatory review with respect to the privacy rights of U.S. persons.

Establishes within the judicial branch an Office of the Special Advocate to participate in proceedings before the FISA Court and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, request reconsiderations of FISA Court decisions, and participate in appeals and reviews. Requires the Special Advocate to vigorously advocate in support of legal interpretations that protect individual privacy and civil liberties. Requires the Attorney General to publicly disclose specified information in connection with FISA Court or FISA Court of Review decisions appealed by the Special Advocate. Requires the release of as much information regarding the facts and analysis in such decisions as is consistent with legitimate national security concerns.

Authorizes the FBI Director to request from a communication service provider the name, address, length of service, and local and long distance billing records of a person as part of a national security investigation only if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the information sought pertains to a foreign power, an agent of a foreign power, or an individual in contact with, or known to a suspected agent of, a foreign power. Provides similar requirements with respect to an FBI request for information from financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies. Revises provisions prohibiting the disclosure of the receipt of a national security letter by such providers, institutions, and agencies to except disclosure to: (1) those persons to whom disclosure is necessary to comply with the request, (2) an attorney in order to obtain legal advice or assistance regarding the request, or (3) other persons as permitted by the FBI. Includes under such prohibition (with the same exceptions) national security letters issued in connection with the investigation of persons with access to classified information. Allows affected communications providers, financial institutions, and consumer reporting agencies to seek judicial review of requests for information. Requires the DOJ IG to report results of audits of national security letters issued during 2010 through 2013.

Amends provisions of FISA, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, the National Security Act of 1947, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) concerning national security letters to, effective June 1, 2015, make such provisions read as they read on October 25, 2001.

Allows electronic service providers to publicly report on information provided under FISA orders and national security letters. Exempts such providers from liability with respect to such reports. Revises requirements concerning government reporting on the use of FISA orders and national security letters.

Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to remove the AG as a required intermediary for subpoenas in connection with authorized activities of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

uniting strengthening_america fulfilling rights ending collection online monitoring act usa freedom act_-_amends foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act fisa set forth additional requirements obtaining orders business records counterterrorism investigations including requiring records sought pertain foreign power agent foreign power individual contact known suspected agent foreign power requires additional information applicant seeking nondisclosure requirement connection request allows director federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi apply renewals nondisclosure requirements authorizes attorney general require production data records provider wire electronic communication service amends usa patriot improvements reauthorization act require inspector_general department_of_justice doj report examination minimization procedures procedures designed minimize acquisition retention information prohibit unauthorized dissemination relation business records orders imposes additional requirements authorized use pen registers trap trace devices devices recording incoming outgoing telephone numbers including information sought pertain foreign power agent thereof individual contact known agent application contain statement proposed minimization procedures requires audits effectiveness use devices prohibits searching collections communications persons order authorization electronic surveillance physical search consent person reasonable belief life safety person threatened information sought assist person limits collection wholly domestic communications person communications party target acquisition contain identifier target acquisition communications acquired protect international terrorism proliferation weapons mass destruction prohibits receiving evidence information obtained acquisition person deficiency procedures acquiring information identified foreign_intelligence_surveillance_court fisa_court authorizes fisa_court government corrects deficiencies identified permit use disclosure information acquired correction minimization procedures fisa_court shall establish repeals june fisa procedures targeting non persons located outside united_states order acquire foreign intelligence information requires reviews surveillance targeting minimization procedures intelligence_community including mandatory review respect privacy rights persons establishes judicial_branch office special advocate participate proceedings fisa_court foreign_intelligence_surveillance_court_of_review request fisa_court decisions participate appeals reviews requires special advocate advocate support legal interpretations protect individual privacy civil liberties requires attorney general publicly disclose specified information connection fisa_court fisa_court review decisions appealed special advocate requires release information facts analysis decisions consistent legitimate national security concerns authorizes fbi director request communication service provider address length service local long distance billing records person national security investigation reasonable grounds believe information sought pertains foreign power agent foreign power individual contact known suspected agent foreign power provides similar requirements respect fbi request information financial institutions consumer reporting agencies revises provisions prohibiting disclosure receipt national security letter providers institutions agencies disclosure persons disclosure necessary comply request attorney order obtain legal advice assistance request persons permitted fbi includes prohibition exceptions national security letters issued connection investigation persons access classified information allows affected communications providers financial institutions consumer reporting agencies seek judicial review requests information requires doj report results audits national security letters issued amends provisions fisa right_to_financial_privacy_act national security act fair_credit_reporting_act fcra concerning national security letters effective june provisions read read october allows electronic service providers publicly report information provided fisa orders national security letters exempts providers liability respect reports revises requirements concerning government reporting use fisa orders national security letters amends intelligence_reform_and_terrorism_prevention_act remove required intermediary subpoenas connection authorized activities privacy_and_civil_liberties_oversight_board


Summary:
Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2013 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Second Chance Act of 2007 to revise and expand requirements for grant programs for adult and juvenile offender state and local reentry demonstration projects.

(Sec. 2) Extends through FY2018 the authorization of appropriations for grants for: (1) family-based substance abuse treatment, (2) the technology careers training demonstration program, and (3) the offender reentry substance abuse and criminal justice collaboration program.

Renames the program of mentoring grants to nonprofit organizations for offender reentry as the program of community-based mentoring and transitional service grants to nonprofit organizations. Provides for transitional services under such program to assist in the reintegration of offenders into the community. Reauthorizes the program through FY2018.

Directs the Attorney General to identify and publish best practices relating to academic and vocational education for offenders in prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities.

(Sec. 3) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to periodically conduct audits of not less than 5% of all recipients of specified offender reentry grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Second Chance Act of 2007. Prohibits: (1) a grantee that is found to have an unresolved audit finding from receiving grant funds; and (2) the use of grant funds for lobbying DOJ representatives or representatives of a federal, state, local, or tribal government regarding the award of grant funding.

(Sec. 4) Amends the Second Chance Act of 2007 to: (1) modify and extend through FY2018 grant programs for reentry of federal prisoners into the community, including the program for placing elderly offenders (not less than 60 years of age) in home detention; (2) repeal programs under such Act relating to responsible reintegration of offenders, the study of the effectiveness of depot naltrexone for heroin addiction, and the satellite tracking and reentry training program; and (3) establish a program for partnering faith-based or community-based nonprofit organizations with prisons to conduct recidivism reduction activities.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Attorney General to establish an interagency task force on federal programs and activities for the reentry of offenders into the community. Requires the task force to: (1) identify and evaluate methods for improving such programs and activities, and (2) submit to Congress and annually update a report on barriers faced by offenders in reentering the community.

(Sec. 6) Amends the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 to exclude from the scope of such Act grant programs administered by the Office of Violence Against Women or funded under certain provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 or the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 during the four-year period after enactment of this Act.

second chance reauthorization act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act second chance act revise expand requirements grant programs adult juvenile offender state local reentry demonstration projects sec extends fy2018 authorization appropriations grants family based substance abuse treatment technology careers training demonstration program offender reentry substance abuse criminal justice collaboration program renames program mentoring grants nonprofit organizations offender reentry program community based mentoring transitional service grants nonprofit organizations provides transitional services program assist reintegration offenders community reauthorizes program fy2018 directs attorney general identify publish best practices relating academic vocational education offenders prisons jails juvenile facilities sec requires inspector_general department_of_justice doj periodically conduct audits recipients specified offender reentry grants omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act second chance act prohibits grantee found unresolved audit finding receiving grant funds use grant funds lobbying doj representatives representatives federal state local tribal government award grant funding sec amends second chance act modify extend fy2018 grant programs reentry federal prisoners community including program placing elderly offenders years age home detention repeal programs act relating responsible reintegration offenders study effectiveness depot heroin addiction satellite tracking reentry training program establish program partnering faith based community based nonprofit organizations prisons conduct recidivism reduction activities sec directs attorney general establish interagency_task_force federal programs activities reentry offenders community requires task_force identify evaluate methods improving programs activities submit congress annually update report barriers faced offenders reentering community sec amends prison_rape_elimination_act exclude scope act grant programs administered office violence women funded certain provisions omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act juvenile justice delinquency_prevention act year period enactment act


Summary:
Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment Act of 2014 or the REDEEM Act - Amends the federal criminal code to provide a process for the sealing or expungement of records relating to nonviolent or juvenile offenses.

Requires a court considering a petition to seal a nonviolent offense to balance factors including the harm of the protected information to the ability of the petitioner to secure and maintain employment.

Sets forth limitations on involuntary room confinements at juvenile detention facilities.

Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) to remove offenses relating to possession or use of a controlled substance from the categories of drug offenses that result in the convicted individual being ineligible for assistance under: (1) a state program funded with temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) grants under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) or any state program carried out under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.

Prohibits the denial of such assistance and benefits if the convicted individual: (1) committed an offense related to a substance abuse disorder, (2) participates in a substance abuse treatment program, and (3) complies with all court-imposed obligations. Includes employment services among the categories of federal benefits that are not to be denied under PRWORA. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow the Attorney General, in awarding public safety and community policing grants, to give preferential consideration to an applicant in a state with laws similar to this Act.

record expungement designed enhance employment act redeem act_-_amends federal criminal code provide process sealing expungement records relating nonviolent juvenile offenses requires court considering petition seal nonviolent offense balance factors including harm protected information ability petitioner secure maintain employment sets forth limitations involuntary room juvenile detention facilities amends personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act remove offenses relating possession use controlled substance categories drug offenses result convicted individual ineligible assistance state program funded temporary_assistance needy families tanf grants title social_security_act supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamp program state program carried food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 prohibits denial assistance benefits convicted individual committed offense related substance abuse disorder participates substance abuse treatment program complies court imposed obligations includes employment services categories federal benefits denied amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act allow attorney general awarding public safety community policing grants preferential consideration applicant state laws similar act


Summary:
Amends the federal criminal code to require a business entity and any responsible corporate officer, after acquiring actual knowledge of a serious danger associated with a product, service, or business practice of such entity: (1) within 24 hours, to verbally inform an appropriate federal agency; (2) within 15 days, to inform an appropriate federal agency in writing; and (3) as soon as practicable, to warn affected employees in writing and to inform other individuals who may be exposed to the danger if such individuals can reasonably be identified.

Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act, but prohibits any fine imposed on an individual from being paid out of the assets of the business entity.

Prohibits knowingly discriminating against any person in hiring, retention, or the terms or conditions of employment because the person informed a federal agency, warned employees, or informed other individuals of such a danger.

amends federal criminal code require business entity responsible corporate officer acquiring actual knowledge danger associated product service business practice entity hours inform appropriate federal agency days inform appropriate federal agency writing soon practicable warn affected employees writing inform individuals exposed danger individuals reasonably identified sets forth penalties violations act prohibits fine imposed individual paid assets business entity prohibits knowingly discriminating person hiring retention terms conditions employment person informed federal agency employees informed individuals danger


Summary:
Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to direct the Bureau of Prisons, pursuant to a good time policy, to release a prisoner who has served one half or more of his or her term of imprisonment if that prisoner: (1) has attained age 45; (2) has never been convicted of a crime of violence; and (3) has not engaged in any violation, involving violent conduct, of institutional disciplinary regulations.

federal prison bureau nonviolent offender relief_act amends federal criminal code direct bureau_of_prisons pursuant good time policy release prisoner served half term imprisonment prisoner attained age convicted crime violence engaged violation involving violent conduct institutional disciplinary regulations


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation Act of 2015 or the SAVE Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly: (1) advertising commercial sex acts involving a minor or an individual engaged in such an act through force, fraud, or coercion; or (2) benefitting financially or otherwise from such advertising knowing that the individual involved was a minor or victim of force, fraud, or coercion.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure stop advertising victims exploitation act save act sec amends federal criminal code prohibit knowingly advertising commercial sex acts involving minor individual engaged act force fraud coercion benefitting financially advertising knowing individual involved minor victim force fraud coercion


Summary:
Justice Safety Valve Act of 2015

 This bill authorizes a federal court to impose a sentence in a criminal proceeding that is below the minimum sentence required by statute if the court finds that a lower sentence is necessary to avoid violating statutory factors that the court must consider in imposing a sentence. The court must give parties to the proceeding notice of its intent to impose a lower sentence and state in writing the factors requiring such a sentence. This bill does not limit any right to appeal that would otherwise exist.

justice safety act bill authorizes federal court impose sentence criminal proceeding minimum sentence required statute court finds lower sentence necessary avoid violating statutory factors court consider imposing sentence court parties proceeding notice intent impose lower sentence state writing factors requiring sentence bill limit right appeal exist


Summary:
Thin Blue Line Act

 Amends the federal criminal code to make the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder an aggravating factor in death penalty determinations.

blue line act amends federal criminal code killing attempted killing law enforcement officer firefighter responder aggravating factor death penalty determinations


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Eliminating Pornography from Agencies Act

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidelines that prohibit the access of a pornographic or other explicit website from a federal computer.

The bill allows an exception to this prohibition if the computer is used for an investigative purpose that requires accessing a pornographic website.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure eliminating pornography agencies act sec bill directs office_of_management_and_budget issue guidelines prohibit access pornographic explicit website federal computer bill allows exception prohibition computer investigative purpose requires accessing pornographic website


Summary:
Stopping Tax Offenders and Prosecuting Identity Theft Act of 2015 or the STOP Identity Theft Act of 2015

 Calls for the Attorney General to: (1) make use of all existing resources of the Department of Justice, including task forces, to bring more perpetrators of tax return identity theft to justice; and (2) take into account the need to concentrate efforts in areas of the country where the crime is most frequently reported, to coordinate with state and local authorities to prosecute and prevent such crime, and to protect vulnerable groups from becoming victims or otherwise being used in the offense.

Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) include organizations as victims for purposes of prohibitions against identity theft or aggravated identity theft, and (2) subject an identity theft offense committed during and in relation to tax fraud to a fine and/or up to 20 years' imprisonment.

Directs the Attorney General to report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on: (1) trends in the incidence of tax return identity theft, (2) recommendations on additional statutory tools that would aid in the effective prosecution of tax return identity theft, and (3) the status of implementing DOJ's March 2010 Audit Report 10-21 entitled "The Department of Justice's Efforts to Combat Identity Theft."

stopping tax offenders prosecuting identity theft act stop identity theft act calls attorney general use existing resources department_of_justice including task forces bring perpetrators tax return identity theft justice account need concentrate efforts areas country crime frequently reported coordinate state local authorities prosecute prevent crime protect vulnerable groups victims offense amends federal criminal code include organizations victims purposes prohibitions identity theft aggravated identity theft subject identity theft offense committed relation tax fraud fine years imprisonment directs attorney general report house senate judiciary_committees trends incidence tax return identity theft recommendations additional statutory tools aid effective prosecution tax return identity theft status implementing doj march audit report entitled department_of_justice efforts combat identity theft


Summary:
Recidivism Clarification Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code, with respect to additional penalties for using or carrying a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, to: (1) modify the penalty to require an additional prison term of not more than 5 years, not more than 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and not more than 10 years if the firearm is discharged (currently, not less than 5, 7, or 10 years respectively); (2) allow a prison term for any term of years (currently, minimum mandatory term of 25 years) for a person who has a prior conviction that has become final; (3) require an additional prison term of not more than 15 years (currently, not less than 15 years) for using, carrying, or possessing armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime; and (4) eliminate the death penalty for cases in which the use of such ammunition results in a death.

Makes this Act applicable to conduct engaged in and sentences imposed before, on, or after the date of this Act's enactment.

recidivism clarification act amends federal criminal code respect additional penalties carrying firearm commission crime violence drug trafficking crime modify penalty require additional prison term years years firearm years firearm discharged currently years respectively allow prison term term years currently minimum mandatory term years person prior conviction final require additional prison term years currently years carrying possessing armor piercing ammunition commission crime violence drug trafficking crime eliminate death penalty cases use ammunition results death makes act applicable conduct engaged sentences imposed date act enactment


Summary:
Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment Act of 2015 or the REDEEM Act

Amends the federal criminal code to provide a process for the sealing or expungement of records relating to nonviolent criminal or juvenile offenses.

Requires a court considering a petition to seal a nonviolent offense to balance factors including the harm of the protected information to the ability of the petitioner to secure and maintain employment.

Sets forth limitations on involuntary room confinements at juvenile detention facilities.

Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) to remove offenses relating to possession or use of a controlled substance from the categories of drug offenses that result in the convicted individual being ineligible for assistance under: (1) a state program funded with temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) grants under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) or any state program carried out under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.

Prohibits the denial of such assistance and benefits if the convicted individual: (1) has completed, is participating in, or agrees to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program; (2) is a custodial parent; (3) is suffering from a serious illness; (4) is pregnant; or (5) is in compliance with the terms of a sentence imposed for the conviction. Includes employment services among the categories of federal benefits that are not to be denied under PRWORA.

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow the Department of Justice (DOJ), in awarding public safety and community policing grants, to give preferential consideration to an applicant in a state with laws similar to this Act.

Directs DOJ to establish procedures for the prompt release of accurate records exchanged for employment-related purposes through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's background check system. Requires DOJ to: (1) obtain the consent of an individual to whom a record pertains as a condition to exchanging records with an entity requesting the information for employment, housing, or credit application purposes; and (2) allow individuals to challenge the accuracy and completeness of their records.

Prohibits exchanges of records regarding: (1) an arrest more than two years before a record request if the record does not also include the disposition of that arrest; (2) non-serious offenses, such as drunkenness, vagrancy, loitering, disturbing the peace, or curfew violations; or (3) circumstances that are not clearly arrests or dispositions.

record expungement designed enhance employment act redeem act amends federal criminal code provide process sealing expungement records relating nonviolent criminal juvenile offenses requires court considering petition seal nonviolent offense balance factors including harm protected information ability petitioner secure maintain employment sets forth limitations involuntary room juvenile detention facilities amends personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act remove offenses relating possession use controlled substance categories drug offenses result convicted individual ineligible assistance state program funded temporary_assistance needy families tanf grants title social_security_act supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamp program state program carried food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 prohibits denial assistance benefits convicted individual completed participating agrees enroll substance abuse treatment program custodial parent suffering illness pregnant compliance terms sentence imposed conviction includes employment services categories federal benefits denied amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act allow department_of_justice doj awarding public safety community policing grants preferential consideration applicant state laws similar act directs doj establish procedures prompt release accurate records exchanged employment related purposes federal_bureau_of_investigation background check system requires doj obtain consent individual record pertains condition exchanging records entity requesting information employment housing credit application purposes allow individuals challenge accuracy completeness records prohibits exchanges records arrest years record request record include disposition arrest non offenses disturbing peace violations circumstances clearly arrests dispositions


Summary:
Aaron's Law Act of 2015

 Amends provisions of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) prohibiting computer fraud to replace the phrase "exceeds authorized access" with "access without authorization," which is defined as obtaining information on a protected computer that the accesser lacks authorization to obtain by knowingly circumventing one or more technological or physical measures that are designed to exclude or prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining that information.

Modifies CFAA penalty provisions to: (1) limit the imposition of enhanced penalties to subsequent offenses under such Act (currently, additional penalties are allowed if there is a conviction for another offense) and to criminal acts punishable under federal or state law by a term of imprisonment for more than one year; and (2) require the determination of the value of information for enhanced penalty purposes to be made by reference to fair market value.


Summary:
Taxpayer Identity Theft Prevention and Enforcement Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to include certain felony violations under the Internal Revenue Code as aggravated identity theft, including the following offenses when committed in connection with the filing of a tax return: (1) conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims; (2) false, fictitious or fraudulent claims; and (3) conspiracy to commit any offense against, or to defraud, the United States.

taxpayer identity theft prevention enforcement act amends federal criminal code include certain felony violations internal_revenue_code aggravated identity theft including following offenses committed connection filing tax return conspiracy defraud government respect claims false fictitious fraudulent claims conspiracy commit offense defraud united_states


Summary:
Nicole's Law of 2015

 Requires states to have in effect laws and policies to extend protections similar to those afforded to victims of domestic violence to victims of a sex offense who are not in a familiar or dating relationship with the perpetrator of such offense.

law requires states effect laws policies extend protections similar afforded victims domestic violence victims sex offense familiar dating relationship perpetrator offense


Summary:
National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2015

 Establishes the National Criminal Justice Commission.

Directs the Commission to: (1) undertake a comprehensive review of all areas of the criminal justice system, including federal, state, local, and tribal governments' criminal justice costs, practices, and policies; (2) submit to the President and Congress recommendations for changes in federal oversight, policies, practices, and laws designed to prevent, deter, and reduce crime and violence, reduce recidivism, improve cost-effectiveness, and ensure the interests of justice at every step of the criminal justice system; and (3) disseminate to the federal government and to state, local, and tribal governments a report that details its findings and supplemental guidance regarding the criminal justice system at all levels of government.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Commission should work toward unanimously supported findings and supplemental guidance.

national criminal justice commission act establishes national criminal justice commission directs commission undertake comprehensive review areas criminal justice system including federal state local tribal governments criminal justice costs practices policies submit president congress recommendations changes federal oversight policies practices laws designed prevent deter reduce crime violence reduce recidivism improve cost effectiveness ensure interests justice step criminal justice system disseminate federal_government state local tribal governments report details findings supplemental guidance criminal justice system levels government expresses sense congress commission work supported findings supplemental guidance


Summary:
Prioritizing Online Threat Enforcement Act of 2015

Directs the Attorney General to ensure:

 that there are at least 10 additional operational agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) designated to support the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the investigation and coordination of cybercrimes against persons; that each office of a U.S. Attorney designates at least one Assistant U.S. Attorney as responsible for investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes against persons; and the implementation of a regular and comprehensive training program to train FBI agents in the investigation and prosecution of, and the enforcement of laws related to, cybercrimes against persons, including relevant forensic training related to investigating and prosecuting such crimes. Makes additional funding available to the FBI, the Attorney General, and DOJ's Criminal Division for FY2016-FY2020 to: (1) hire and train law enforcement officers to investigate cybercrimes against person and assist in the prosecution of such crimes; and (2) enable relevant DOJ units to procure advanced tools of forensic science and expert computer forensic assistance to investigate, prosecute, and study such crimes.

prioritizing online threat enforcement act directs attorney general ensure additional operational agents federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi designated support criminal division department_of_justice doj investigation coordination persons office attorney designates assistant attorney responsible investigating prosecuting persons implementation regular comprehensive training program train fbi agents investigation prosecution enforcement laws related persons including relevant forensic training related investigating prosecuting crimes makes additional funding available fbi attorney general doj criminal division fy2016-fy2020 hire train law enforcement officers investigate person assist prosecution crimes enable relevant doj units procure advanced tools forensic science expert computer forensic assistance investigate prosecute study crimes


Summary:
Veterans Protection Enhancement Act

This bill directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the federal sentencing guidelines to provide for a two-level sentencing increase if the defendant intentionally selected any victim or any property because of the victim's military service or veteran status.

veterans protection enhancement_act bill directs sentencing commission amend federal sentencing guidelines provide level sentencing increase defendant intentionally selected victim property victim military service veteran status


Summary:
Sensenbrenner-Scott Over-Criminalization Task Force Safe, Accountable, Fair, Effective Justice Reinvestment Act of 2015 or the Sensenbrenner-Scott SAFE Justice Reinvestment Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to: (1) compile and publish federal law violations with criminal penalties, (2) reduce over-federalization of criminal conduct and over-incarceration due to pretrial detention, (3) create a online complaint process to challenge prosecutions and (4) create training and best practices for prosecutors and law enforcement officers that reduce the inaccuracy and unreliability of evidence in criminal cases.

It prohibits sentencing courts from considering defendant's acquitted conduct and grants discretion to disregard manipulated conduct involving the Controlled Substances Act.

It reauthorizes the Innocence Protection Act of 2001 for FY2016-FY2021.

The bill expands pre-judgment probation, safety valve, and compassionate release eligibility.

It creates problem-solving courts, establishes a presumption of probation for certain non-violent first-time offenders, and limits prior drug offenses that trigger enhanced mandatory minimum prison terms.

It limits application of drug offense mandatory minimums to drug trafficking organization leaders, organizers, or employees. (Drug offenses include unlawful import, export, manufacture, or distribution of, or possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.)

It also reduces from life to 35 years the maximum mandatory minimum for certain drug offenses.

The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 applies retroactively to permit resentencing of a convicted crack cocaine offender sentenced before August 3, 2010.

DOJ must develop a post-sentencing risk and needs assessment system.

 The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) must provide residential substance abuse treatment to all eligible offenders.

The bill establishes a standardized graduated sanctioning system for supervised release or probation violations. It eliminates mandatory revocation for certain minor violations and creates a performance-incentive funding program for judicial districts.

BOP may grant 54 days of good time credit regardless of satisfactory GED progress. Probation officers may award positive reinforcement (e.g. discharge credits) for compliance with terms of supervision.

The bill adds one non-voting, public defender member to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

scott task_force safe accountable fair effective justice reinvestment act scott safe justice reinvestment act bill requires department_of_justice doj compile publish federal law violations criminal penalties reduce criminal conduct incarceration pretrial detention create online complaint process challenge prosecutions create training best practices prosecutors law enforcement officers reduce evidence criminal cases prohibits sentencing courts considering defendant conduct grants discretion disregard manipulated conduct involving controlled substances act reauthorizes innocence protection act fy2016 fy2021 bill expands pre judgment probation safety compassionate release eligibility creates problem solving courts establishes presumption probation certain non violent time offenders limits prior drug offenses trigger enhanced mandatory minimum prison terms limits application drug offense mandatory minimums drug trafficking organization leaders employees drug offenses include unlawful import export manufacture distribution possession intent distribute controlled substance reduces life years maximum mandatory minimum certain drug offenses fair sentencing act applies retroactively permit convicted crack cocaine offender sentenced august doj develop post sentencing risk needs assessment system bureau_of_prisons provide residential substance abuse treatment eligible offenders bill establishes standardized graduated sanctioning system supervised release probation violations eliminates mandatory revocation certain minor violations creates performance incentive funding program judicial districts grant days good time credit regardless satisfactory progress probation officers award positive discharge credits compliance terms supervision bill adds non voting public defender member sentencing commission


Summary:
Stop Tobacco Sales to Youth Act of 2015

Amends the Jenkins Act to include within the definition of "cigarette" electronic cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco.

Defines "electronic cigarette" to mean any electronic device that delivers nicotine, flavor, or other substance via an aerosolized solution (including an electronic cigarette, cigar, pipe, or hookah) to the user inhaling from the device, excluding any product that: (1) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product or for another therapeutic purpose, and (2) is marketed and sold solely for such a therapeutic purpose.

Makes specified exceptions with respect to Indian tribes and tribal matters.

stop tobacco sales youth act amends act include definition cigarette electronic cigarettes cigars pipe tobacco defines electronic cigarette mean electronic device delivers nicotine substance solution including electronic cigarette pipe user device excluding product approved food_and_drug_administration sale tobacco cessation product therapeutic purpose marketed sold solely therapeutic purpose makes specified exceptions respect indian tribes tribal matters


Summary:
Prevent Repeat Offenders Act of 2015

This bill amends the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that: (1) any alien who is required to register under such Act is registered in the National Sex Offender Registry and is informed of the registration requirements under such Act before such alien may be released from the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and (2) the release of such an alien is conditioned on such alien's registration in each jurisdiction required by such Act.

DHS is also required to ensure that the chief law enforcement officer of each jurisdiction in which such an alien resides and the agency responsible for the receipt or maintenance of sex offender registration information in such jurisdiction are promptly notified when such an alien is: (1) taken into custody by ICE, (2) released from ICE custody, or (3) removed from the United States.

prevent repeat offenders act bill amends sex offender registration notification act direct department_of_homeland_security dhs ensure alien required register act registered national sex offender registry informed registration requirements act alien released custody immigration customs enforcement ice release alien conditioned alien registration jurisdiction required act dhs required ensure chief law enforcement officer jurisdiction alien resides agency responsible receipt maintenance sex offender registration information jurisdiction promptly notified alien taken custody ice released ice custody removed united_states


Summary:
Stopping Over-Criminalization Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to establish a default mens rea (guilty mind) standard for a federal criminal offense, unless the provision of law that defines such offense specifically provides otherwise.

A federal criminal offense conviction requires proof that a defendant acted knowingly with respect to each element of the offense. If a defendant might lack reasonable awareness that conduct (e.g., a regulatory offense) is criminally punishable, then a conviction requires proof that the defendant had reason to know the conduct was unlawful.

Additionally, the bill amends the federal judicial code to: (1) require the Department of Justice to develop, publish, and update an inventory of all federal criminal offenses, including agency rules that carry criminal penalties; and (2) prohibit prosecuting a defendant for a non-inventoried federal offense.

Finally, it amends the Congressional Review Act to require congressional approval by joint resolution for a new rule with criminal penalties to take effect.

stopping act bill amends federal criminal code establish default guilty mind standard federal criminal offense provision law defines offense specifically provides federal criminal offense conviction requires proof defendant acted knowingly respect element offense defendant lack reasonable awareness conduct regulatory offense criminally punishable conviction requires proof defendant reason know conduct unlawful additionally bill amends federal judicial code require department_of_justice develop publish update inventory federal criminal offenses including agency rules carry criminal penalties prohibit prosecuting defendant non inventoried federal offense finally amends congressional review act require congressional approval joint resolution new rule criminal penalties effect


Summary:
Sentencing Reform Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to reduce from 20 to 15 years and from life to 25 years the mandatory minimum prison terms for certain nonviolent repeat drug offenses. (A drug offense includes the unlawful import, export, manufacture, or distribution of, or the possession with intent to distribute, a controlled substance.)

Additionally, it establishes an enhanced mandatory prison term of up to five years for a drug offense involving heroin that contains fentanyl or fentanyl that is represented or sold as heroin.

The bill limits the prior convictions which trigger enhanced mandatory minimum prison terms.

(Sec. 3) The bill amends the federal criminal code to expand safety valve eligibility to permit a court to impose a sentence below the mandatory minimum for certain nonviolent, cooperative drug defendants with a limited criminal history.

(Sec. 4) A court may impose a reduced 5-year (instead of a statutory 10-year) mandatory minimum prison term for certain nonviolent, cooperative defendants convicted of a high-level first-time or low-level repeat drug offense. (A high-level drug offense involves a very substantial drug quantity, such as one kilogram or more of heroin. A low-level drug offense involves a substantial drug quantity, such as 100 grams to 999 grams of heroin.)

It reduces the enhanced mandatory minimum prison term for certain defendants who commit a high-level repeat drug offense, use a firearm in a crime of violence or drug offense after a prior conviction for such offense, or unlawfully possess a firearm after three or more prior convictions. It permits retroactive application of such reductions for defendants without a prior serious violent felony conviction, after a court considers certain factors.

(Sec. 5) The bill reduces from 25 to 15 years the mandatory minimum prison term for a defendant who uses a firearm in a crime of violence or drug offense after a prior conviction for such offense. A court may apply the reductions retroactively, subject to certain exceptions, after considering certain factors.

 (Sec. 6) It reduces from 15 to 10 years the enhanced mandatory minimum prison term for an armed career criminal convicted of unlawful firearm possession after three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. A court may apply the reductions retroactively, after considering certain factors.

(Sec. 7) The bill makes the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 retroactive to permit resentencing of a convicted crack cocaine offender sentenced before August 3, 2010.

(Sec. 8) The Department of Justice must report to Congress on mandatory minimum sentencing provisions under federal law. (Sec. 9) It expresses the sense of Congress that a comprehensive strategy to reform the criminal justice system must integrate a mental health component.

sentencing reform_act sec bill amends controlled substances act controlled_substances_import_and_export_act reduce years life years mandatory minimum prison terms certain nonviolent repeat drug offenses drug offense includes unlawful import export manufacture distribution possession intent distribute controlled substance additionally establishes enhanced mandatory prison term years drug offense involving heroin contains fentanyl fentanyl represented sold heroin bill limits prior convictions trigger enhanced mandatory minimum prison terms sec bill amends federal criminal code expand safety eligibility permit court impose sentence mandatory minimum certain nonviolent cooperative drug defendants limited criminal history sec court impose reduced year instead statutory year mandatory minimum prison term certain nonviolent cooperative defendants convicted high level time low level repeat drug offense high level drug offense involves substantial drug quantity heroin low level drug offense involves substantial drug quantity grams grams heroin reduces enhanced mandatory minimum prison term certain defendants commit high level repeat drug offense use firearm crime violence drug offense prior conviction offense unlawfully possess firearm prior convictions permits retroactive application reductions defendants prior violent felony conviction court considers certain factors sec bill reduces years mandatory minimum prison term defendant uses firearm crime violence drug offense prior conviction offense court apply reductions retroactively subject certain exceptions considering certain factors sec reduces years enhanced mandatory minimum prison term armed career criminal convicted unlawful firearm possession prior convictions violent felonies drug offenses court apply reductions retroactively considering certain factors sec bill makes fair sentencing act retroactive permit convicted crack cocaine offender sentenced august sec department_of_justice report congress mandatory minimum sentencing provisions federal law sec expresses sense congress comprehensive strategy reform criminal justice system integrate mental health component


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Criminal Code Improvement Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal criminal code to establish a default mens rea standard (i.e., a state of mind requirement) for a federal criminal offense whose defining statute does not specify a required state of mind. A conviction for such federal criminal offense requires proof that a defendant acted knowingly.

Additionally, if the offense consists of conduct that a reasonable person would not know or have reason to believe was unlawful, then a conviction requires proof that the defendant knew or had reason to believe such conduct was unlawful.

The bill establishes definitions for the terms "state" and "serious bodily injury" that are generally applicable with respect to federal criminal law. It eliminates various repeated definitions of such terms.

(Sec. 5) It eliminates references to the Canal Zone (i.e., the Panama Canal Zone).

(Sec. 6) The bill amends the federal judicial code to require the Department of Justice to develop and update, index, and publish an inventory of all federal criminal offenses, including violations of agency rules or regulations that constitute or define federal criminal offenses.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure criminal code improvement act sec bill amends federal criminal code establish default standard state mind requirement federal criminal offense defining statute specify required state mind conviction federal criminal offense requires proof defendant acted knowingly additionally offense consists conduct reasonable person know reason believe unlawful conviction requires proof defendant knew reason believe conduct unlawful bill establishes definitions terms state bodily injury generally applicable respect federal criminal law eliminates repeated definitions terms sec eliminates references canal zone panama canal zone sec bill amends federal judicial code require department_of_justice develop update index publish inventory federal criminal offenses including violations agency rules regulations constitute define federal criminal offenses


Summary:
Interstate Swatting Hoax Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to use a telecommunications system, the mails, or another facility of interstate or foreign commerce to knowingly report false or misleading information with the intent to cause an emergency law enforcement response.

A violator is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

interstate act bill amends federal criminal code crime use telecommunications system mails facility interstate foreign commerce knowingly report false misleading information intent cause emergency law enforcement response violator subject criminal civil penalties


Summary:
Police Agency Investigation Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to create within the Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) Civil Rights Division an Office of Police Agency Investigations to investigate alleged patterns or practices of police conduct that violate constitutional rights.

Additionally, it amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the allowable use of grant funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to include complying with a judgment or consent decree pursuant to a pattern-or-practice investigation. DOJ may award additional grants to COPS grant recipients to comply with such judgments or consent decrees.

police agency investigation improvement act bill amends violent_crime_control_and_law_enforcement_act create special litigation section department_of_justice doj civil rights division office police agency investigations investigate alleged patterns practices police conduct violate constitutional rights additionally amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act expand allowable use grant funds community oriented policing services cops program include complying judgment consent decree pursuant pattern practice investigation doj award additional grants cops grant recipients comply judgments consent decrees


Summary:
Historic Routes Preservation Act

This bill requires that any person, including a state, local government, company, or individual, that asserts public acceptance of a right-of-way granted for the construction of highways over public lands must file a claim within a 25-year period.

The bill sets forth a procedure for conclusively verifying, proving, and establishing the acceptance of such rights-of-way.

historic routes preservation act bill requires person including state local government company individual asserts public acceptance right way granted construction highways public lands file claim year period bill sets forth procedure conclusively verifying proving establishing acceptance rights way


Summary:
Cybercrime Enforcement Training Assistance Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to state and local governments to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. A cybercrime against an individual is a criminal offense that involves use of a computer, including a computer network or interactive electronic device, to harm an individual.

DOJ must also award a grant to a nonprofit private cybercrime organization to establish and maintain the National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals. It must provide technical assistance and training resources, maintain a resource library, and conduct research to improve the capacity of governments, communities, and individuals to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals.

cybercrime enforcement training assistance_act bill directs department_of_justice doj award grants state local governments prevent enforce prosecute individuals cybercrime individual criminal offense involves use computer including computer network interactive electronic device harm individual doj award grant nonprofit private cybercrime organization establish maintain national_resource_center individuals provide technical assistance training resources maintain resource library conduct research improve capacity governments communities individuals prevent enforce prosecute individuals


Summary:
Firearm Due Process Protection Act

This bill amends the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act to establish a 60-day time limit for the Department of Justice to make a final disposition of a request to correct a record in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. With respect to violations of that limit, the bill establishes a private right to action.

firearm process protection act bill amends brady handgun violence protection act establish day time limit department_of_justice final disposition request correct record national_instant_criminal_background_check_system respect violations limit bill establishes private right action


Summary: This bill directs the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to combat cybercrime, including recommendations for a definition of cybercrime and a federal agency to lead cybercrime investigations.

bill directs president submit congress comprehensive strategy combat cybercrime including recommendations definition cybercrime federal agency lead cybercrime investigations


Summary:
DUE PROCESS Act of 2016 or the Deterring Undue Enforcement by Protecting Rights of Citizens from Excessive Searches and Seizures Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions related to federal civil forfeiture cases. Specifically, the bill:

 raises the evidentiary standard in such cases from "preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence"; with respect to property owners who are indigent, provides for the appointment of counsel; provides for recovery of attorney's fees with respect to settled claims in which the claimant prevails; adds specified notice requirements; and expedites and otherwise modifies certain procedures. The Department of Justice must: (1) annually audit federal civil forfeiture cases, and (2) establish a publicly available database with respect to seizures in such cases.

process act deterring undue enforcement protecting rights citizens excessive searches seizures act bill amends federal criminal code revise provisions related federal civil forfeiture cases specifically bill raises evidentiary standard cases preponderance evidence clear convincing evidence respect property owners indigent provides appointment counsel provides recovery attorney fees respect settled claims claimant prevails adds specified notice requirements modifies certain procedures department_of_justice annually audit federal civil forfeiture cases establish publicly available database respect seizures cases


Summary:
Stopping Mass Hacking Act

This bill rejects an amendment to rule 41 (Search and Seizure) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court and transmitted to Congress for review on April 28, 2016. (The amendment allows a federal magistrate judge to issue a warrant to use remote access to search computers and seize electronically stored information located inside or outside that judge's district in specific circumstances.)

stopping mass act bill rejects amendment rule search seizure federal_rules_of_criminal_procedure adopted supreme_court transmitted congress review april amendment allows federal magistrate judge issue warrant use remote access search computers seize electronically stored information located inside outside judge district specific circumstances


Summary:
Stop Tobacco Smuggling in the Insular Areas Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam trafficking in contraband cigarettes and contraband smokeless tobacco. "Contraband" means items for which the applicable taxes have not been paid.

stop tobacco smuggling insular areas act bill amends federal criminal code prohibit american_samoa commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands guam trafficking contraband cigarettes contraband smokeless tobacco contraband means items applicable taxes paid


Summary:
Resource Management Practices Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to bar prosecution in cases involving damage to or destruction of federal property by fire if:

 the fire is set by a person to the person's own property, either to prevent an imminent threat of damage to the property or as part of any generally accepted practice for managing vegetation on timber, grazing, or farm land; the fire neither results in death or serious bodily injury nor poses a serious threat of bodily injury or damage to any building, dwelling, or vehicle of the United States; and no individual under 16 years of age is used in setting the fire.

resource management practices protection act bill amends federal criminal code bar prosecution cases involving damage destruction federal property fire fire set person person property prevent imminent threat damage property generally accepted practice managing vegetation timber grazing farm land fire results death bodily injury poses threat bodily injury damage building dwelling vehicle united_states individual years age setting fire


Summary:
Securing American Families by Educating and Training You (SAFETY) Through Nonviolence Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of preventing or alleviating the effects of community violence by providing education, mentoring, and counseling related to principles of nonviolence in conflict resolution. "Eligible entities" include state or local government entities, educational institutions, nonprofit communities, and faith-based organizations.

In awarding grants under the program, DOJ shall give priority to applicants that agree to use the grant funds in at least one community that can certify: (1) an increased or sustained level of violence or tension in the community; or (2) a lack of resources to adopt innovative, integrated, community-based violence prevention programs.

securing american families educating training safety act bill authorizes department_of_justice doj award grants eligible entities purpose preventing alleviating effects community violence providing education mentoring counseling related principles conflict resolution eligible entities include state local government entities educational institutions nonprofit communities faith based organizations awarding grants program doj shall priority applicants agree use grant funds community certify increased sustained level violence community lack resources adopt innovative integrated community based violence prevention programs


Summary:
Bettering Resources in Guarding from Human Trafficking Act of 2016 or the BRIGHT Act of 2016

 This bill amends the federal criminal code to establish a five-year mandatory minimum prison term for certain offenses related to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, forced labor, and trafficking.

resources human trafficking act act bill amends federal criminal code establish year mandatory minimum prison term certain offenses related slavery involuntary servitude forced labor trafficking


Summary:
Help Communities Fight Violent Crime Act

This bill authorizes appropriations to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for Violent Crime Reduction Partnerships in the most violent U.S. cities.

It permits the ATF to transfer appropriated funds to another agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government for the purpose of conducting activities under such a partnership.

help communities fight violent crime act bill authorizes appropriations bureau alcohol tobacco firearms explosives atf violent crime reduction partnerships violent cities permits atf transfer appropriated funds agency instrumentality government purpose conducting activities partnership


Summary:
Reducing Gangs and Recidivism Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to report to Congress on recidivism.

Additionally, the bill directs the BJS to provide technical assistance for states to implement best practices to combat gangs.

DOJ must establish a definition for the term "gang." DOJ must also evaluate and report to Congress on the effectiveness of DOJ programs in combating gangs.

reducing gangs recidivism act bill amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act require department_of_justice doj bureau_of_justice_statistics report congress recidivism additionally bill directs provide technical assistance states implement best practices combat gangs doj establish definition term gang doj evaluate report congress effectiveness doj programs combating gangs


Summary:
Review the Rule Act of 2016

This bill delays the effective date of an amendment to rule 41 (Search and Seizure) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court and transmitted to Congress for review on April 28, 2016. (The amendment allows a federal magistrate judge to issue a warrant to use remote access to search computers and seize electronically stored information located inside or outside that judge's district in specific circumstances.)

review rule act bill delays effective date amendment rule search seizure federal_rules_of_criminal_procedure adopted supreme_court transmitted congress review april amendment allows federal magistrate judge issue warrant use remote access search computers seize electronically stored information located inside outside judge district specific circumstances


Summary:
Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to establish a process to expunge an individual's records related to a nonviolent criminal offense. A nonviolent criminal offense is a federal misdemeanor or felony offense that: (1) does not include, as an element, the use of a weapon or violence; and (2) does not involve violence in its commission.

To be eligible for expungement, an individual must: be a first-time offender; avoid drug or alcohol dependency or abuse; obtain a high school diploma; complete one year of community service; and fulfill the requirements of a court-ordered sentence, such as complete a prison term, meet the conditions of supervised release, and pay fines.

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Summary:
Due Process Guarantee Act of 2015

Amends the federal criminal code to expand provisions prohibiting the United States from imprisoning or otherwise detaining a citizen except pursuant to an Act of Congress, to: (1) prohibit such imprisonment or detention of a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident except consistent with the Constitution and pursuant to an Act of Congress that expressly authorizes such imprisonment or detention; and (2) prohibit construing a general authorization to use military force, a declaration of war, or any similar authority, on its own, to authorize the imprisonment or detention without charge or trial of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident apprehended in the United States.

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Summary:
Justice Safety Valve Act of 2015

This bill authorizes a federal court to impose a sentence in a criminal proceeding that is below the minimum sentence required by statute if the court finds that a lower sentence is necessary to avoid violating statutory factors that the court must consider in imposing a sentence. The court must give parties to the proceeding notice of its intent to impose a lower sentence and state in writing the factors requiring such a sentence. This bill does not limit any right to appeal that would otherwise exist.

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Summary:
Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation Act of 2015 or the SAVE Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly: (1) advertising commercial sex acts involving a minor or an individual engaged in such an act through force, fraud, or coercion; or (2) benefitting financially or otherwise from such advertising knowing that the individual involved was a minor or victim of force, fraud, or coercion.

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