Officer John Barnes Act

Crime and Law Enforcement

2 pages

house
senate
president

Introduced February 13, 2025 by Randy Weber · Last progress February 13, 2025

Summary

Adds a firm deadline for deciding benefit eligibility claims filed under the specified subpart of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The Bureau must notify a claimant of its eligibility determination within 270 calendar days after it receives the claim, creating a predictable timeline for claimants awaiting decisions.

Key Points

Establishes a 270-calendar-day deadline for the Bureau to notify claimants of eligibility decisions.
Applies to claims filed under the specified subpart of Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
Creates a predictable timeline for claimants awaiting benefit-eligibility determinations.
Does not, in the provided text, change eligibility criteria, benefit levels, or appeal rights.
May require administrative or staffing changes within the Bureau to meet the new deadline.
The amendment’s summary does not specify consequences if the Bureau misses the deadline.

Pending Committee

February 13, 2025

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

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Not later than 270 calendar days after receiving a claim filed under this subpart, the Bureau must inform the claimant of the Bureau’s determination as to the claimant’s benefit eligibility.

requirement

Affects: the Bureau

February 13, 2025•2 pages

Summary

Key Points

Establishes a 270-calendar-day deadline for the Bureau to notify claimants of eligibility decisions.
Applies to claims filed under the specified subpart of Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
Creates a predictable timeline for claimants awaiting benefit-eligibility determinations.
Does not, in the provided text, change eligibility criteria, benefit levels, or appeal rights.
May require administrative or staffing changes within the Bureau to meet the new deadline.
The amendment’s summary does not specify consequences if the Bureau misses the deadline.

Not later than 270 calendar days after receiving a claim filed under this subpart, the Bureau must inform the claimant of the Bureau’s determination as to the claimant’s benefit eligibility.

requirement

Affects: the Bureau

Primary effects: Claimants (people filing benefit-eligibility claims under the subpart) will receive faster and more predictable decisions, reducing long waits and uncertainty. The Bureau that processes these claims must adjust operations — for example, improving case tracking, reallocating staff, or changing workflows — to meet the 270-day notification requirement. Victim-service organizations and legal representatives may see faster case resolution and can better advise clients. State or local partners who refer claimants may experience reduced follow-up burdens. Because the summary does not include new funds or explicit enforcement mechanisms, the Bureau may face internal resource pressure to comply; failure to meet the deadline could create administrative complaints or increased oversight demand even if statutory remedies are not described.