Central ND News

WASHINGTON – Legislation has been introduced by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in response to the historic rise in violent crime across the country. The Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act aims to hold criminals accountable and reinforce public safety through bail reform.

"Cash bail is a powerful tool to help keep violent offenders off the streets in advance of criminal proceedings. Woke, soft-on-crime cities across the country make it easier for felons to reoffend while awaiting prosecution, causing more violence and instability in our communities. The harmful and deliberate policies these cities adopt, contributing to soaring crime rates, should not be rewarded by sending them taxpayer money," said Senator Cramer.

"The rise in violent crime we are seeing across our country is a direct result of the soft-on-crime policies like cashless bail that is being pushed by woke prosecutors. In order to restore law and order in our communities, we must reject this agenda that prioritizes dangerous criminals over law-abiding community members. My Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act creates incentives for state and local governments to keep violent offenders behind bars," said Senator Blackburn.

The legislation would prohibit any state or local government from receiving federal financial assistance if they have policies prohibiting the use of cash bail for all offenders or if they do not employ pretrial detention practices for every violent offender, including juvenile offenders.

The Council on Criminal Justice’s mid-year data has shown a significant increase in crime rates, with motor vehicle thefts alone increasing by 33.5% in the first half of 2023. In response to this growing issue, the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act seeks to address the root causes of the surge in violent crime and provide solutions to enhance public safety.

For more information on the bill text, interested parties can click here.