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H.R. 8509

BillFederalHouseIn Committee
To reform pattern or practice investigations conducted by the Department of Justice, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 22, 2024
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Congress
118th (2023–2025)
Introduced
May 22, 2024
Cosponsors (3)
3D 0R
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Summary

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This bill strengthens the Department of Justice's ability to investigate and address discrimination in policing and other parts of the criminal justice system. It expands the types of misconduct that can be investigated to include actions by prosecutors, judges, and other justice system officials, not just police officers. When the DOJ identifies patterns of discrimination, the bill requires that settlements include community oversight bodies composed of non-law enforcement representatives who can monitor compliance, ask questions, and make recommendations. The bill also authorizes $445 million annually from 2025 through 2034 for the Civil Rights Division to conduct these investigations, with at least $100 million each year dedicated to enforcement and technical assistance. Additionally, it creates a $150 million annual grant program for states to conduct their own pattern or practice investigations and to develop community-based alternatives to policing, such as funding social workers and mental health crisis experts, with strict reporting requirements to ensure accountability.

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