Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act

This proposal would block certain federal crime-fighting grants from going to states or local governments that curb the use of cash bail for people charged with serious offenses. It says “covered offenses” include violent or sexual crimes like murder, rape, sexual assault, carjacking, robbery, burglary, and assault, as well as crimes that disturb public order like looting, vandalism, destroying property, rioting or inciting a riot, and fleeing from police. If a state or city has a policy or law that substantially limits cash bail for every person charged with one of these offenses, they would not be eligible for these grants.

The change would apply starting with the first federal fiscal year that begins on October 1 after the bill becomes law, and then every year after that.

• Who is affected: States and local governments seeking Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.
• What changes: Those that substantially limit cash bail for people charged with listed violent or public-order offenses would lose eligibility.
• When it starts: The first October 1 after it becomes law, and each year after.
• Which crimes: Murder, rape, sexual assault, carjacking, robbery, burglary, assault; looting, vandalism, destruction of property, rioting/inciting to riot, fleeing from police.