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Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 4:05 PM

Summary of Bill S 321

Bill 118 s 321, the Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023, aims to enhance protections for individuals who have experienced domestic violence and stalking. The bill includes provisions to improve access to resources and support for survivors, as well as measures to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

One key aspect of the bill is the establishment of a national registry for domestic violence and stalking offenders. This registry would allow law enforcement agencies to track individuals who have been convicted of these crimes, making it easier to monitor and prevent repeat offenses. Additionally, the bill includes funding for programs that provide support services for survivors, such as counseling, legal assistance, and housing assistance.

The Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023 also includes provisions to enhance training for law enforcement officers and other professionals who work with survivors. This training would focus on recognizing the signs of domestic violence and stalking, as well as providing appropriate support and resources to survivors. Overall, the bill aims to improve the response to domestic violence and stalking, ensuring that survivors have access to the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives. By holding perpetrators accountable and providing comprehensive services for survivors, the Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023 seeks to create a safer and more supportive environment for individuals who have experienced these traumatic events.

Congressional Summary of S 321

Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023

This bill extends federal firearms-related restrictions to individuals who are convicted of a misdemeanor crime of stalking.

The term misdemeanor crime of stalking means an offense that is a misdemeanor under federal, state, tribal, or local law and has a course of harassment, intimidation, or surveillance that (1) causes emotional distress, or (2) places a person in reasonable fear of harm to themselves, an immediate family member, an individual who shares or has shared a residence, an intimate partner, or a pet. The term intimate partner includes an individual who is or was in a dating relationship with the person or any other individual similarly situated to a spouse.

Additionally, the bill extends federal firearms-related restrictions to individuals who are subject to a court order restraining them from harassing, stalking, or threatening an individual who is in a current or former dating relationship with them or who is similarly situated to a spouse. Currently, federal firearms-related restrictions generally only apply to individuals who are subject to a court order restraining them from harassing, stalking, or threatening a co-parent of a child, a current or former spouse, or a current or former cohabitant.

Current Status of Bill S 321

Bill S 321 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 9, 2023. Bill S 321 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 9, 2023.  Bill S 321's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of February 9, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 321

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
20
Democrat Cosponsors
18
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
2

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 321

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 321

Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023
Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2023
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to define intimate partner to include someone with whom there is or was a dating relationship, and for other purposes.

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