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Bill

Bill

HR 1240

National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Steve Cohen

HR 1240 establishes a national database to track deadly force incidents by law enforcement, enhancing transparency and accountability for public safety and policy reform.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 1240

Summary of HR 1240: National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act of 2025 aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement agencies across the United States. The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive national database that tracks incidents of deadly force, thereby providing critical data to inform policy decisions, improve community relations, and enhance public safety.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  • Creation of a National Database: The legislation mandates the establishment of a centralized database that will collect and maintain statistics on incidents involving deadly force by law enforcement officers. This database will include data on:

    • The number of incidents involving deadly force
    • Demographic information of individuals involved (e.g., age, race, gender)
    • Circumstances surrounding each incident (e.g., location, reason for force)
  • Reporting Requirements: Law enforcement agencies will be required to report incidents of deadly force to the database within a specified timeframe. This will ensure timely and accurate data collection.

  • Annual Reports: The bill calls for the production of annual reports summarizing the data collected, which will be made publicly available. These reports will help identify trends and inform discussions on law enforcement practices.

  • Funding for Implementation: The bill outlines provisions for federal funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in implementing the reporting requirements and maintaining the database.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: All state and local law enforcement agencies will be required to comply with the reporting requirements, which may necessitate changes in their data collection and reporting practices.

  • Community Members: The general public, particularly communities affected by incidents of deadly force, will benefit from increased transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.

  • Policymakers and Researchers: The availability of comprehensive data will aid policymakers, researchers, and advocacy groups in understanding the dynamics of deadly force incidents and developing informed strategies for reform.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced in the House on February 12, 2025.

  • Committee Referral: Following its introduction, HR 1240 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

This bill represents a significant step towards improving transparency in law enforcement and addressing concerns related to the use of deadly force. By establishing a national database, HR 1240 aims to foster accountability and promote informed discussions on law enforcement practices in the United States.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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