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Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 4:05 PM

Summary of Bill S 37

Bill 118 s 37, also known as the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to establish a grant program that would provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance their ability to protect witnesses in criminal cases.

The bill outlines the criteria for eligibility for these grants, which include demonstrating a need for additional resources to protect witnesses, as well as a plan for how the funds will be used. The grants would be awarded on a competitive basis, with priority given to agencies that have a high volume of witness protection cases or are facing budget constraints.

In addition to providing funding for witness protection, the bill also includes provisions for training law enforcement officers on best practices for protecting witnesses, as well as establishing a national database to track witness protection cases and outcomes. Overall, the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023 aims to improve the safety and security of witnesses in criminal cases, ultimately helping to ensure that justice is served.

Congressional Summary of S 37

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023

This bill directs the Department of Justice to award competitive matching grants to state, local, and tribal governments to establish or maintain witness protection programs in cases involving (1) a homicide, serious violent felony, or serious drug offense; or (2) gangs or organized crime.

Current Status of Bill S 37

Bill S 37 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2023. Bill S 37 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on January 24, 2023.  Bill S 37's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 24, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 37

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

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 37

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact Areas

- Drug trafficking and controlled substances
- Evidence and witnesses
- Juvenile crime and gang violence
- Law enforcement administration and funding
- Organized crime
- Performance measurement
- Violent crime

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 37

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023
Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023
A bill to require the Attorney General to make competitive grants to State, tribal, and local governments to establish and maintain witness protection and assistance programs.

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