04.22.16

Hoeven: Appropriations Committee Approves Funding Bill to Enhance Local Law Enforcement, Victim Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act. As a member of the committee, Hoeven worked to secure funding for North Dakota’s priorities, including programs that enhance local law enforcement’s ability to protect communities and help ensure victims of crime have access to vital services.

“The CJS funding bill helps support the ongoing efforts of our state’s law enforcement officials and service agencies to prevent crime, provide more comprehensive services for victims of violence and improve access to treatment for those who struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues,” Hoeven said. “That will help make our communities more secure, address growing prison costs and ensure the safety and recovery of victims.”

Support for Law Enforcement

• Second Chance Act – $75 million – Supports federal, state and local efforts to reduce prison costs and improve public safety by preventing repeat offenses and violent crime.
• Drug Court Program – $43 million – Diverts non-violent drug offenders from prison by requiring treatment and random drug screenings while under close supervision, resulting in significant cost savings for judicial and corrections systems.
• Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) – $36 million – Supports the six regional centers and the RISS Tech Support Center, which provide secure communications and information sharing services to combat multi-jurisdictional crime.
• Veteran Treatment Court Program – $6 million – Provides an opportunity for treatment to former military members who suffer from serious mental health and substance abuse issues when such issues result in contact with the criminal justice system.

Victim Services

• Legal Assistance for Victims – $45 million – Strengthens civil and criminal legal assistance programs for victims of domestic violence.
• Rural Domestic Violence Grant – $35 million – Helps address the lack of services in rural areas for victims of domestic violence, enhancing their safety and preventing such crimes.
• Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence – $30 million – Assists victims of domestic violence who are in need of transitional housing, short-term housing assistance and related supportive services.

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