The "Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering Our Communities Act" (SERVE Our Communities Act) establishes a grant program, administered by the Attorney General, to provide financial assistance to eligible states and units of local government. To qualify, jurisdictions must allow state courts or magistrates to consider the danger an individual poses to the community when determining bail or pretrial release conditions. Additionally, they must have taken steps in the previous year to prevent repeat offenses by violent offenders, such as enacting relevant laws, expanding efforts to hire and retain law enforcement officers and prosecutorial staff , or administering public education programs. Funds received can be used for purposes described in the Second Chance Act of 2007, supporting initiatives to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to fund this program.
Community life and organizationCorrectional facilities and imprisonmentCriminal procedure and sentencingDrug, alcohol, tobacco useEmployee hiringEmployment and training programsFamily servicesHealth care coverage and accessIntergovernmental relationsLaw enforcement administration and fundingMental healthState and local courtsViolent crime
SERVE Our Communities Act
USA119th CongressHR-198| House
| Updated: 1/3/2025
The "Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering Our Communities Act" (SERVE Our Communities Act) establishes a grant program, administered by the Attorney General, to provide financial assistance to eligible states and units of local government. To qualify, jurisdictions must allow state courts or magistrates to consider the danger an individual poses to the community when determining bail or pretrial release conditions. Additionally, they must have taken steps in the previous year to prevent repeat offenses by violent offenders, such as enacting relevant laws, expanding efforts to hire and retain law enforcement officers and prosecutorial staff , or administering public education programs. Funds received can be used for purposes described in the Second Chance Act of 2007, supporting initiatives to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to fund this program.
Community life and organizationCorrectional facilities and imprisonmentCriminal procedure and sentencingDrug, alcohol, tobacco useEmployee hiringEmployment and training programsFamily servicesHealth care coverage and accessIntergovernmental relationsLaw enforcement administration and fundingMental healthState and local courtsViolent crime