H.R.3920 - Lawless Cities Accountability Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3920, the Lawless Cities Accountability Act of 2025, proposes to withhold federal funds from jurisdictions deemed 'lawless' by the Attorney General. The Attorney General must make these determinations quarterly and publicly available. Jurisdictions can regain funding after 180 days or when the Attorney General determines they are no longer lawless.
Expected Effects
The bill could lead to significant financial strain on states and localities identified as 'lawless jurisdictions,' potentially impacting public services. It may incentivize jurisdictions to align their law enforcement policies with federal expectations to avoid funding cuts. The definition of 'lawless jurisdiction' is broad, potentially leading to varied interpretations and applications.
Potential Benefits
- Could incentivize state and local governments to maintain law and order.
- May lead to a reduction in crime rates in affected areas.
- Could ensure federal funds are not used in areas where law enforcement is perceived to be ineffective or deliberately undermined.
- Could provide a framework for federal intervention in cases of widespread lawlessness.
- May improve public safety and security for residents in affected jurisdictions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Broad definition of 'lawless jurisdiction' could lead to arbitrary or politically motivated determinations by the Attorney General.
- Could disproportionately affect communities with strained relationships between law enforcement and residents.
- May lead to a reduction in essential services in affected jurisdictions due to loss of federal funding.
- Could create a chilling effect on local control and decision-making regarding law enforcement policies.
- Potential for legal challenges based on federal overreach and due process concerns.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. Congress has the power to allocate federal funds, but conditions attached to those funds must be clear and related to a national objective (Article I, Section 8). The definition of 'lawless jurisdiction' could be challenged as vague, potentially violating due process. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising concerns about federal overreach into state and local law enforcement matters.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).