U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee has introduced two legislative measures aimed at addressing juvenile crime and carjacking. The proposals, named the Advancing Frequent and Tailored Education to Rebuild Safe Communities and Help Orchestrate Opportunities and Learning (AFTER SCHOOL) Act and the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act, seek to provide law enforcement, local school districts, and federal prosecutors with the necessary tools to combat and prevent these crimes.
“We need to make it easier for law enforcement, local school districts, and federal prosecutors to combat and prevent juvenile crime, violent offenses, and carjackings,” said Senator Blackburn. “My AFTER SCHOOL Act would give localities direct access to the tools they need to keep kids off the streets and on the right path. At the same time, the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act would fix a broken statute, empowering federal prosecutors to hold offenders accountable and make our streets safer for Tennesseans and all Americans.”
The AFTER SCHOOL Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada, proposes a grant program managed by the U.S. Department of Justice. This program would fund localities to create, maintain, or strengthen after-school initiatives that have proven successful in reducing juvenile crime and recidivism. School districts can apply for these funds if the juvenile offense rate in their county is over 10% of all violent offenses.
The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act addresses an identified issue in the current federal carjacking statute, which requires proof of an “intent to cause death or bodily harm” to prosecute. The new legislation suggests a change that would require prosecutors to prove only the knowing taking of a vehicle, streamlining federal prosecutions for carjacking. This bill has gained support from organizations like the National District Attorneys Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America.
“NDAA is proud to announce its support of the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act. Carjacking is a violent crime that endangers lives, destabilizes communities, and threatens public safety. This legislation sends a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated, while improving the current legal framework to protect victims and communities,” said Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of National District Attorneys Association.
The Major County Sheriffs of America and the National Association of Police Organizations have also expressed their approval of the legislation, emphasizing the importance of empowering law enforcement and securing justice for communities.
“Tennessee District Attorneys appreciate Senator Blackburn’s commitment to public safety, support for prosecutors and law enforcement, and her meaningful legislative leadership and efforts to reduce violent crime. We are happy to partner with her to endorse and fully support this legislation that will protect Tennesseans,” said Stephen D. Crump, Executive Director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.
