Bill > HR4467

This bill directs the Department of Justice to award competitive matching grants to state, local, and tribal governments to establish or maintain witness protection programs in cases involving homicides, serious violent felonies, serious drug offenses, gangs, or organized crime. The bill outlines the criteria the Attorney General must use to evaluate grant applicants, such as the lack of infrastructure to support witness protection programs, the prevalence of witness intimidation, and the presence of organized crime. The bill also requires the Attorney General to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and to develop and disseminate best practice models for witness safety, relocation, financial and housing assistance, and other witness protection services. The federal share of the program's cost is capped at 75%, with up to 50% of the non-federal share allowed in the form of in-kind contributions. The bill authorizes $30 million per year for fiscal years 2020 through 2024 to carry out these provisions.