eAdvocate - Bills in Congress

New Bill in Congress: Rep Sensenbrenner wants $331 MILLION more for the Adam Walsh Act (The Money Pit)

2012-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

2-16-2011 National: HR 3796 "Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2012" was introduced by Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] (introduced 1/19/2012) Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (Which he is Chairman of) Stated Intent: To reauthorize certain programs established by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The bill states:SEC. 2. SEX OFFENDER MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE (SOMA) PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION. Section 126(d) of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 16926(d)) is amended to read as...

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New Bill in Congress: Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act of 2011

2011-12-03T04:04:00.000-08:00

12-3-2011 National: HR 3528 "Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act of 2011" which was introduced by Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [TX-30] on 11/30/2011 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: Amends the Hate Crime Statistics Act to include crimes against the homeless in the crime data collected by the Attorney General under such Act. I think all that follow sex offender issues know that, there is a significant number of former sex offenders who are homeless, and many more become homeless as more and more restrictions are placed on registrants. As...

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Adam Walsh Act - Second Chance Act and More Receive Appropriations through Agriculture Bill

2011-11-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

11-19-2011 Washington DC: There is no end to the trickery of Congress. What do I mean? Here is the latest, Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] introduced on 6/3/2011 with no Cosponsors, HR 2112 originally titled "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012" and ends up with this title "Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012" appropriating money for all sorts of Criminal Justice programs. Somewhere in Congress is a joker who sees a relationship between Agriculture and Criminal Justice which allowed this to...

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New Bill in Congress: Campus SaVE Act and Recent College News Reports

2011-11-12T21:51:00.000-08:00

For a one page summary of the Campus saVE Act 11-13-2011 National: One recent news report "The Molester Next Door" ends with wondering if the college should have done a better job of following up on past report about a former assistant football coach. The essence being a question of college Policy if such exists and who is responsible for what and when, on issues of violence and sexual acts on campus. See "The Current Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting" for further information.. With that in mind there are two related bills in Congress to look at: Campus SaVE Act:...

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ALERT: US House Judiciary Committee Markup Session on 10-13 and 10-14

2011-10-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

SEE 10-27 UPDATE: we are waiting for the next scheduled MarkUp Session date.10-12-2011 National:In September I let folks know about HR-2870 "Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2011" which was introduced by Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] on 9/8/2011 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: To reauthorize certain programs established by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Now we see that HR-2870 is part of the House Judiciary Committee Mark-Up session on Oct 13-14 (Deferred from 10-4). It is important to note that, New York State...

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UPDATE: New Bill in Congress - re: HIV Status and why everyone should support it

2011-10-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the Thomas website is down on 10-1 and 10-2 for maintenance, so the link below will not work on those days. Afterwards link will work.10-1-2011 National: There is a new bill in Congress related to folks with HIV. Now for all the reasons related to HIV, everyone should request lawmakers to vote FOR this bill (Yes, it has a strange title) this bill should pass and become law. Why? There is a HIDDEN reason why all folks with a sex offense in their background, and their families, should want Congress to pass this bill. The bill is: HR-3053 REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act. ...

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Senate Panel Votes to Cut Funds For Second Chance Inmate Re-Entry

2011-09-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

9-15-2011 Washington DC: From the CrimeReport: The Senate subcommittee overseeing the U.S. Justice Department's budget yesterday voted to eliminate funding for the federal Second Chance Act, which helps inmate re-entry programs nationwide. The program got $100 million in fiscal year 2010, but that was reduced to $83 million this year. The House appropriations committee recently approved $70 million for Second Chance. The Senate panel, chaired by Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) did not explain the reasons for its action, but insiders said it was likely tied to the ongoing struggle between...

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ACTION ALERT: New Bill in Congress to Reauthorize the Adam Walsh Act GRANTS: For Years 2012 through 2016

2011-09-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

9-9-2011 National:HR-2870 "Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2011" was introduced by Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] on 9/8/2011 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: To reauthorize certain programs established by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Instead of my normal review lets look at the essence of what this bill wants to do: 1) Extend "Implementation Grants" and "Address Verification Grants" from 2012 through 2016, and authorize $15,000,000 for each of those years, for a total of $75,000,000; 2) Authorize...

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UPDATE: Hot Topics in Congress

2011-08-16T11:19:00.001-07:00

8-16-2011 National: There are two bills ( HR-1981 "Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011" and S-1308 Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011) which even though they DO NOT directly affect registrants are real hot topics right now. Congress is proposing a law to FORCE all Internet Service Providers to keep track of every single access to the Internet by ANYONE who accesses the Internet, for at least 18 months: SEC. 4. RETENTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SERVICE PROVIDERS. (a) In General- Section 2703 of title 18, United States...

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UPDATE: Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2011

2011-07-29T04:30:00.001-07:00

7-28-2011 National: S 1231 "Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2011" was introduced by Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] on 6/20/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: To reauthorize the Second Chance Act of 2007. It appears this bill does MORE THAN just reauthorize the Second Chance Act of 2007 as it was written back in 2007. This bill enhances the Second Chance Act (SCA) significantly. With that said: UPDATE: The Senate Judiciary Committee (on 7-21-2011) AMENDED the bill from its introduced version, and now it prevents CERTAIN sex...

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New Bill in Congress: Federal Record Expungements Affecting Certain Sex Offenders, AND, Tricking States into Federally Controlled State Expungement laws

2011-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

7-20-2011 National: HR 2449 "Fresh Start Act of 2011" which was introduced by Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] on 7/7/2011 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: To permit expungement of records of certain nonviolent criminal offenses, and for other purposes. Before I begin any review of this bill I must says that, if we ignore everything the bill says with reference to sex offenders, this bill will help many folks convicted of other offenses; in that respect it is good. Now to review this bills effect on sex offenders. Within the bill:Sec. 3633. Procedure...

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New Bill in Congress: Helps ONLY Certain Victims of Sex Offenses?

2011-07-11T10:54:00.001-07:00

7-11-2011 National: HR 1678 "Nicole's Law" which was introduced by Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] on 5/2/2011 and referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Stated Intent: To encourage States to expand the protections offered to victims of sex offenses who are not in a familiar or dating relationship with the perpetrators of such offenses. SEC. 2. PROTECTION FOR VICTIMS OF SEX OFFENSES. (a) In General- For each fiscal year beginning after the expiration of the period specified in subsection (b)(1) in which a State receives funds under the subpart...

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New Bill in Congress: Hallowed Grounds Act

2011-07-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: A reader just reminded us, that Rep. Hartzler's proposal would deny certain family members as well, and conflict with another federal law. see UPDATE below7-6-2011 National: Now, we have the text of this bill: HR 2355 "Hallowed Grounds Act" which was introduced by Rep Hartzler, Vicky [MO-4] on 6/24/2011 and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Stated...

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New Bill in Congress: Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2011

2011-07-05T01:16:00.000-07:00

UPDATE 7-26-2011: A full update will be forthcoming, but there has been amendments to this bill which are harmful to certain former offenders. My UPDATE is HERE! 7-5-2011 National: Finally we have the text of this bill: S 1231 "Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2011" was introduced by Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] on 6/20/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: To reauthorize the Second Chance Act of 2007. It appears this bill does MORE THAN just reauthorize the Second Chance Act of 2007 as it was written back in 2007. This bill enhances...

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New Bill in Congress: To Prevent Aliens with a Sex Offense Against a Minor from Entering the U.S.

2011-04-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

4-10-2011 National: HR 1434 "International Child Protection Act of 2011" was introduced by Rep Shuler, Heath [NC-11] on 4/7/2011 and referred to House committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: To render inadmissible to the United States aliens who have been convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and for other purposes. Constitutional Authority Statement (CAS): By Mr. SHULER: H.R. 1434. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Article 1 Section 8 Clause 1 gives Congress the authority to ‘‘provide for the common defense and general...

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New Bill in Congress: To Require Background Checks of Various Fields of Employment

2011-03-23T11:42:00.001-07:00

3-23-2011 National: S 581 "Child Care Protection Act of 2011" was introduced by Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 3/15/2011) 3/15/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Stated Intent: A bill to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to require criminal background checks for child care providers. Constitutional Authority Statement (CAS): NOTE: Senate bills do not require a "Constitutional Authority Statement." The Senate did not adopt the rule which the House did (their...

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New Bill in Congress: To Prevent Certain Misdemeanor Sex Offenders from Owning Guns

2011-03-13T01:47:00.001-08:00

3-13-2011 National: HR 505 "Keep Kids Safe Act of 2011" was introduced by Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] (introduced 1/26/2011) and Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Stated Intent: A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to place limitations on the possession, sale, and other disposition of a firearm by persons convicted of misdemeanor sex offenses against children. Constitutional Authority Statement (CAS): H.R. 505. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Clauses 3 and 18 of Section 8 of Article I of the...

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New Bill in Congress: To Prevent Sex Offenders from using -ANY- Property Management or Maintenance Functions

2011-03-11T14:15:00.001-08:00

3-11-2011 National: S 329 "Safety From Sex Offenders Act of 2011" was introduced by Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 2/14/2011) Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Stated Intent: A bill to prohibit sex offenders from using property management or maintenance functions to access the residence of an individual. Constitutional Authority Statement (CAS): NOTE: Senate bills do not require a "Constitutional Authority Statement." The Senate did not adopt the rule which the House did (their choice). Apparently...

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eAdvocate UPDATE: Finding the Constitutional Authority Statement on Bills

2011-02-18T00:17:00.001-08:00

NOTE: Senate bills do not require a "Constitutional Authority Statement." The Senate did not adopt the rule which the House did (their choice).2-17-2011 National: The Thomas website has added a new section to each individual bill "Constitutional Authority Statement." Below are the steps to get to the constitutional authority for one individual bill HR-578. You can follow the same steps for any bill if you want to read the cited authority. When I followed the links for this bill, I believe this is going to be what they will cite for all bills with respect to criminal matters. Therefore...

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New Bill in Congress: To Prevent Parole for Certain Sex Offenders

2011-02-16T01:18:00.001-08:00

2-16-2011 National: HR 578 "No Parole for Sex Offenders Act" was introduced by Rep. Chandler, Ben [KY-6] (introduced 2/9/2011) Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Stated Intent: To ensure that sex offenders and sexually violent predators are not eligible for parole. Note: This is the same bill by the same lawmaker who introduced it in the 111th Congress. There it died in Committee. Constitutional Authority Statement Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the...

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New Bill in Congress: To Require FBI Background Checks for ALL Public School Employees AND Certain Other Businesses

2011-02-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

2-9-2011 National: S-124 "Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act of 2011" was introduced by Sen Vitter, David [LA] (introduced 1/25/2011) Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Stated Intent:To require all public school employees and those employed in connection with a public school to receive FBI background checks prior to being hired, and for other purposes. Constitutional Authority Statement (CAS): NOTE: Senate bills do not require a "Constitutional Authority Statement." The Senate did not adopt the...

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eAdvocate UPDATE: Tips on Tracking and Connecting with Members of Congress

2011-01-19T13:11:00.001-08:00

1-19-2011 National: TRACKING Members of Congress: Is there a lawmaker in Congress that you would like to keep track of? We have found a wonderful site call Legistalker which is a super-site. All you do is find the name of who you want to track, and the site will display LINKS to ALL the recent Tweets, News Articles, YouTube Videos, and Capitol Words (Speeches in Congress) that lawmaker has made. And you can subscribe to that selection. A GREAT site. CONNECTING with Members of Congress: From Congress.org comes the following suggestions: Communicating with Elected Officials The...

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eAdvocate UPDATE: Whats Happening in Congress?

2011-01-17T12:56:00.001-08:00

1-17-2011 National: Given the terrible circumstances in Arizona last week, Congress is behind in their work. But, not behind in filing of bills with over 200 already filed, thankfully none with respect to those we advocate for. Heads Up: Is there a lawmaker in Congress that you would like to keep track of? We have found a wonderful site call Legistalker which is a super-site. All you do is find the name of who you want to track, and the site will display LINKS to ALL the recent Tweets, News Articles, YouTube Videos, and Capitol Words (Speeches in Congress) that lawmaker has made....

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The Reading of the Constitution in the U.S. House, 112th Congress

2011-01-06T21:52:00.001-08:00

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The 112th Congress has started

2011-01-06T01:38:00.001-08:00

1-6-2011 National: Yesterday the 112th Congress began, and that means all the old bills that everyone was worried about, well they are gone, died and no longer are a concern. However, that does not mean lawmakers cannot introduce them in this new Congress, I will be watching to see what is introduced. The House Rules Committee has begun and they have a new website. Now starting with this Congress all federal agencies and departments are supposed to make things easier for the public to understand. The new website is quite nice and easy to get around, but, now the only way to...

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