This bill, titled the "Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act," proposes to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Its primary goal is to prohibit the Attorney General from awarding, renewing, or extending Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) to states or local governments that implement policies limiting cash bail. Specifically, the legislation targets jurisdictions that have laws or policies substantially restricting cash bail as a potential condition for every individual charged with a covered offense . A "covered offense" is defined broadly to include criminal acts posing a clear threat to public safety and order. These offenses encompass both violent or sexual acts, such as murder, rape, and assault, and those promoting public disorder, like looting, vandalism, and rioting. The prohibition would take effect for fiscal years beginning after the Act's enactment, ensuring federal justice funding is tied to specific bail practices.
Criminal procedure and sentencingIntergovernmental relationsState and local government operationsViolent crime
Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act
USA119th CongressHR-5213| House
| Updated: 1/8/2026
This bill, titled the "Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act," proposes to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Its primary goal is to prohibit the Attorney General from awarding, renewing, or extending Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) to states or local governments that implement policies limiting cash bail. Specifically, the legislation targets jurisdictions that have laws or policies substantially restricting cash bail as a potential condition for every individual charged with a covered offense . A "covered offense" is defined broadly to include criminal acts posing a clear threat to public safety and order. These offenses encompass both violent or sexual acts, such as murder, rape, and assault, and those promoting public disorder, like looting, vandalism, and rioting. The prohibition would take effect for fiscal years beginning after the Act's enactment, ensuring federal justice funding is tied to specific bail practices.