United States · Law · S
S. 241 (96th)
Justice System Improvement Act of 1979
Introduced
29 January 1979
Last action
—
Status
Public Law 96-157.
Sponsors
—
Subjects
Discovery layer
Source updated
10 August 2026
Summary
Justice System Improvement Act of 1979 - Restates and amends in its entirety title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Law Enforcement Assistance). Sets forth the purposes of this Act. Retains within the Department of Justice the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA), and within the Administration, the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs. Establishes within the Department and independent of the LEAA two separate bodies: (1) the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to promote research and demonstration efforts for the purpose of (A) improving Federal, State, and local criminal, civil, and juvenile justice systems, (B) preventing crimes and unnecessary civil disputes, and (C) insuring citizen access to appropriate dispute-resolution forms; and (2) the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to promote the collection and analysis of statistical information concerning crime, juvenile delinquency, and civil disputes. Establishes Advisory Boards to the NIJ and the BJS, and directs each Board to review and make recommendations with respect to the activities undertaken by their respective bodies. Restructures the existing program of grants and assistance to State and local units of government into three categories; formula grants, national priority grants, and discretionary grants. Sets forth the purpose for which such grants may be made and the procedures to be followed in making the grants. Continues the authority of the LEAA to conduct training, recruiting and career development programs for law enforcement officials. Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Justice Assistance, Research, and Statistics to provide staff support, set policy, and coordinate the activities of the National Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and the LEAA. Establishes an advisory board to the Office. Sets forth the powers and administrative procedures of the offices established by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the programs and grants established by this Act. Continues the existing program of public safety officers' death benefits.
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Timeline
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Votes
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Versions
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Documents
7 official files
Public Law (PDF)
Public Law · EN · 28 December 1979
Conference report filed in House, 2nd conference report
summary · EN · 10 December 1979
Conference report filed in House
summary · EN · 16 November 1979
Passed House amended
summary · EN · 12 October 1979
Passed Senate amended
summary · EN · 21 May 1979
Reported to Senate with amendment(s)
summary · EN · 14 May 1979
Introduced in Senate
summary · EN · 29 January 1979
Sponsors
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Related records
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Sources
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- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/96th-congress/senate-bill/241
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/96/s/241