Bill · H.R. 118· House(119-HR-118)
No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions Act
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/3/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Biggs
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions Act," aims to restrict how certain funds are used by law enforcement. It prohibits State or local law enforcement agencies that have the authority to prosecute criminal cases from using forfeited funds to investigate or prosecute the President, Vice President, former Presidents or Vice Presidents, or candidates for the office of President. Agencies must certify their compliance with these restrictions to the Attorney General. If an agency fails to comply, the Attorney General is prohibited from transferring forfeited property or sale proceeds to that agency. The term "candidate" is defined by the meaning given in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
Yes
Does this change how police departments operate?+3
The bill restricts the use of forfeited funds by law enforcement agencies when investigating or prosecuting high-level political figures.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
The bill requires law enforcement agencies to certify their compliance to the Attorney General regarding the use of funds for political investigations.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill threatens to withhold forfeited property or sale proceeds from law enforcement agencies that fail to comply with the new certification requirements.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-2
The bill limits the autonomy of state and local law enforcement agencies by imposing federal restrictions and a mandatory certification process on their use of forfeited funds.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Restriction on fund usage: The bill prevents specific funds or property received through various sections of the United States Code from being used to investigate or prosecute high-level political figures, such as the President, Vice President, former Presidents or Vice Presidents, or candidates for President (Section 2(a)).
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Accountability through certification: Law enforcement agencies are required to certify to the Attorney General that they will comply with the new restrictions, providing a layer of oversight (Section 2(b)).
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Consequences for non-compliance: The bill allows for the withholding of forfeited property or proceeds if the Attorney General determines an agency has failed to comply with the rules (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of forfeited funds/property: State or local law enforcement agencies that fail to comply with the certification requirements may lose the ability to receive property seized by the Attorney General or proceeds from the sale of such property (Section 2(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increase States Rights-2
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House