A bill to amend title I (Law Enforcement Assistance) of the Omnibus Safe Streets and Crime Control Act of 1968.

Summary

Title I: Law Enforcement Assistance - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish in the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs to be under the direction of the Deputy Administrator for Policy Development. Directs the Office to: (1) render technical assistance to community and citizen groups in crime prevention and other law enforcement activities; (2) coordinate its activities with other Federal agencies; and (3) disseminate information on successful programs of citizen and community participation to local groups. Directs that the comprehensive State law enforcement plan be submitted to a State legislature, upon request, for an advisory review prior to its submission to the Administration by the chief executive of the State. Requires State planning agencies to assure the participation of citizens and community organizations at all levels of the planning process. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to eligible States for: (1) strengthening courts and improving the availability and quality of justice; (2) expediting criminal prosecution and reducing court congestion; (3) revising court criminal rules and procedural codes; (4) training judges, court administrators, and support personnel of courts having criminal jurisdiction; and (5) developing and operating programs designed to prevent crime against the elderly. Prohibits the approval of a State plan unless it contains specified provisions, including: (1) a comprehensive program for the improvement of juvenile justice; (2) adequate assistance to high crime areas; and (3) programs dealing with the prevention and treatment of crime against the elderly. Directs the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to develop procedures for evaluating programs carried out with Federal law enforcement assistance funds. Directs the Institute to identify successful programs and to disseminate information about them to State planning agencies and, upon request, to units of local government. Requires that comprehensive State plans submitted to obtain grants for correctional institutions and facilities meet specified criteria. Requires such plans to set forth minimally acceptable physical and service standards agreed upon by the Administration and the State to improve or renovate local jails. Allows the Administration to increase grants to Indian tribes or other aboriginal groups upon determination that such tribes or groups do not have sufficient funds to meet the local share of the costs of any federally funded law enforcement assistance program or project. Stipulates that no person in any State shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part under such Act. Establishes penalties for violation of such prohibition. Stipulates that if compliance is not forthcoming within specified time limits, the Administration may suspend the payment of grants. Permits the Attorney General to bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court whenever there is reason to believe that a State or local government unit is engaged in a pattern or practice in violation of such prohibition. Extends authorizations for appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for the purpose of law enforcement assistance. Requires the Administration's annual report to the President and Congress to contain specified information, including: (1) an analysis of each State's comprehensive plan and the programs and projects funded thereunder; (2) the amounts expended for each of the components of the criminal justice system; (3) the number of State plans approved with and without substantial change; and (4) the number of successful, unsuccessful, and discontinued programs and projects. Directs the Administration to promulgate regulations establishing reasonable time limits for: (1) responding to the filing of a complaint alleging that a State or local government unit is in violation of Title I of such Act; and (2) the conduct of independent audits and reviews of State and local governments receiving funds under such title. Title II: Requirement for Specific Authorization of Justice Department Appropriations - Stipulates that no sums shall be deemed to be authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year beginning after October 1, 1977, for the Department of Justice, except as specifically authorized by Act of Congress with respect to such fiscal year.

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Documents

2 official files

• Laid on table in House

  summary · EN · 2 September 1976

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 7 May 1976

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