Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that provides $28.69 billion in grants from 1995-2000 to reduce violence and crimes, enhance law enforcement, provide education and activity programs for youth, and for other purposes.

Highlights:

• Requires a mandatory life sentence in prison to any individual who is convicted of committing their third serious violent or drug-related crime.

• Increases the number of crimes subject to the death penalty, including crimes where no one is killed.

• Prohibits the imposition of the death penalty on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or sex.

• Reduces the age at which a juvenile may be tried as an adult in court for committing a violent crime from 15 years of age to 13.

• $13.5 billion for the development, expansion, modification, and operation of prisons.

• $9.04 billion for crime prevention and rehabilitation programs.

• $3.45 billion for an increase in police presence, hiring and training officers, and developing cooperative efforts between law enforcement agencies and local citizens.

• Incorporated into HR 3355 during conference. See HR 3355 for further action.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text